Mohamed Soliman, Colorado Flamethrower Attack Suspect From Egypt, Had Expired Visa

Topline

The suspect who used a flamethrower in an attack that injured at least eight people at a gathering in Boulder, Colorado, in support of Israeli hostages in Gaza is an Egyptian citizen who is in the U.S. on a tourist visa that’s been expired for more than two years, the Department of Homeland Security said Monday.

Law enforcement officials investigate after an attack on the Pearl Street Mall Sunday, in Boulder, … More Colo.

Key Facts

The suspect, identified by law enforcement as Mohamed Soliman, entered the U.S. in August 2022 on a B-2 visa that expired in February 2023, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Monday.

B-2 visas are granted for a maximum of six months to people who want to visit the U.S. temporarily for tourism, medical treatment or to visit with friends or relatives.

Soliman, 45, was was identified by witnesses and taken into custody immediately after the attack, which the FBI said it was investigating with Boulder Police as an act of terrorism.

In a press conference, Mark Michalek, the F.B.I. special agent in charge, said witnesses told investigators the suspect used a “makeshift flamethrower”, threw an incendiary device at the crowd and shouted “Free Palestine” during the attack.

Eight victims, four men and four women between the ages of 52 to 88 suffered injuries ranging from serious to minor; no one had died as of Monday afternoon, though Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser told MSNBC Monday one victim is in critical condition.

Police said they first received calls about the incident, which took place in downtown Boulder’s Pearl Street pedestrian mall area, around 1:26 p.m. local time.

Netanyahu Condemns Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement Monday “the entire state of Israel” was praying for the victims. He said the attack “was aimed against peaceful people who wished to express their solidarity with the hostages” and called on authorities to prosecute the suspect “to the fullest extent of the law and do everything possible to prevent future attacks against innocent civilians.”

What Are The Charges Against Soliman?

Boulder County Sheriff’s Department records show he was taken into custody on two charges of first-degree murder, among eight total counts, though prosecutors have yet to file official charges. He could ultimately face federal and state charges, Weiser said, adding the attack has “every single hallmark of being a hate crime.” His arraignment is scheduled for Monday at 3:30 p.m ET.

What Else Do We Know About The Attack?

Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said they do not believe any accomplice of the suspect was still at large and they have not been able to confirm initial reports suggesting there were two people involved in the attack. “We are not going to say that with absolute certainty, because we are still conducting a lot of interviews,” the police chief said. Michalek said there was no immediate indication that the suspect was linked any specific group, but noted that the investigation was still ongoing.

What Do We Know About The Event Targeted By The Attack?

The gathering targeted by the attack was organized by a national group called “Run for Their Lives”, which does weekly demonstrations to raise awareness about the hostages still being held by Hamas and its affiliates in Gaza. The group’s website describes the event as a weekly 1-kilometer (0.6-mile) walk or run. In a statement on Instagram, the group said their walk in Boulder was “disrupted in a violent assault that Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is calling a hate crime.” The statement added that Run for Their Lives is a “an apolitical global organization with the sole mission of walking peacefully to raise awareness for the 58 hostages still held in captivity by Hamas in Gaza.”

Crucial Quote

“My thoughts go out to the people who have been injured by this heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community…As the Jewish community reels from the recent antisemitic murders in Washington, D.C., it is unfathomable that the community is facing another antisemitic attack here in Boulder on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot…Hate is unacceptable in our Colorado for all, and I condemn this act of terror,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.