Democratic Colorado Governor Jared Polis addressed a shocking incident in Boulder, where multiple people were hospitalized and a 45-year-old man, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was taken into custody. This news has rattled local leaders, law enforcement, and citizens alike, stirring debate over immigration and security.

According to Breitbart News, Soliman, an Egyptian national who reportedly entered the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa under President Joe Biden’s administration, is accused of carrying out an antisemitic terror attack at Boulder’s Park Street Mall.

Federal officials say Soliman overstayed his visa, filed a claim with immigration authorities, and was granted work authorization—facts now drawing scrutiny in the wake of the attack. Six elderly victims, ages 67 to 88, were hospitalized after Soliman allegedly used a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary device while shouting anti-Israel and anti-Zionist slogans.

Suspect’s immigration status questioned

Public outrage has grown as details emerge about how Soliman entered and remained in the United States. Fox News reporter Bill Melugin cited Homeland Security sources saying Soliman arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on August 27, 2022, on a B1/B2 visa, valid through February 26, 2023. He is accused of overstaying that visa and remaining in the country illegally.

Melugin further reported that Soliman filed a claim—potentially for asylum—with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on September 29, 2022. In March 2023, during the Biden administration, Soliman received work authorization valid until March 2025, but he never left the U.S. when his visa expired.

These disclosures are now fueling criticism of current immigration enforcement policies. Conservative commentators and lawmakers argue the Biden administration’s leniency has endangered American communities, pointing to this case as evidence of systemic failure.

Chaos at peaceful pro-Israel event

The attack occurred during a regularly scheduled event to support Israeli hostages held by Hamas, with local Jewish community members gathering peacefully. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as Soliman, shirtless and holding squirt bottles, allegedly ignited Molotov cocktails and shouted, “Free Palestine” and “End Zionists,” according to videos cited by Breitbart News.

FBI Special Agent Mark Michalek confirmed the details at a press conference, identifying Soliman as the suspect. He described the act as targeted violence, stating the FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

FBI Special Agent Mark Michalek said:

I’m able to confirm there are six victims, ages 67-88, all of them have been transported to local hospitals. This attack happened at a regularly scheduled weekly peaceful event. Witnesses are reporting that the subject used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd. The suspect was heard to yell, ‘Free Palestine’ during the attack. The subject has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, and he’s 45-years-old.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a woman burning on the ground and others suffering burns to their legs. Bystanders rushed to help, dousing flames until emergency responders arrived. Police quickly apprehended Soliman at the scene.

Leaders respond and tensions rise

Governor Polis issued a forceful statement condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with the Jewish community. He called for the suspect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and vowed cooperation with federal and local authorities to ensure justice.

Polis highlighted the pain and fear the attack has caused, referencing recent antisemitic violence elsewhere in the country. He emphasized Colorado’s strength and unity in the face of hate, pledging ongoing support for victims and their families.

Jewish organizations, civil rights groups, and conservative activists have called for increased security for religious communities and tougher enforcement of immigration laws. Critics of Biden’s policies argue that lax oversight allowed Soliman’s case to slip through the cracks.

Next steps for investigation and prosecution

Federal authorities continue to investigate Soliman’s background, motives, and any possible connections to extremist networks. The FBI’s terrorism designation signals serious charges ahead, and prosecutors are expected to pursue maximum penalties.

Soliman remains in custody as victims recover in Boulder hospitals. The community is grappling with trauma, anger, and renewed calls for policy reform. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are watching closely, with some pushing for stricter immigration measures in response.