An Egyptian national who came into the country two years ago and overstayed his visa has been charged in the gruesome terror attack that left six people injured in Boulder, Colo., Saturday, authorities said.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was arrested at the scene, after he allegedly set his victims on fire as they peacefully rallied on behalf of Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza. Soliman was heard yelling “Free Palestine” and other anti-Israel slogans during the attack on victims ranging in age from 67 to 88.
The shocking violence unfolded at 1:26 p.m. local time, when Boulder police were called to the county courthouse on Pearl Street for reports of a man, who had a weapon and was setting people on fire, according to Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn. The attack took place near an event put on by “Run for Their Lives,” a grassroots group that organizes run and walk events calling for the release of Israeli hostages held since Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
The suspect was heard yelling, “How many children you killed?” and “We have to end Zionists, they are killers,” according to an analysis of video of the scene by the ADL Center on Extremism.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the attack, which happened on the eve of Shavuot, appears to have been motivated by hate.
“From what we know, this attack appears to be a hate crime given the group that was targeted,” Weiser wrote in a statement. “People may have differing views about world events and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but violence is never the answer to settling differences.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the attack is being investigated as an act of “ideologically motivated violence,” based on early information, evidence and witness accounts. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed the National Counterterrorism Center is working with the FBI and local law enforcement on the ground.
Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sources told Fox News Soliman is in the country illegally as a visa over-stay, who came in during the Biden administration.
He allegedly flew into the U.S. on Aug. 27, 2022, arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on a B1/B2 non-immigrant visa. Soliman was authorized to stay through Feb. 26, 2023, but never left, according to officials. On Sept. 29, 2022, he filed a claim, possibly for asylum.
On March 29, 2023, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), under the Biden administration, gave him work authorization, which was valid through March of this year.
Police initially evacuated three surrounding blocks and later expanded the evacuation area.
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