The suspect linked to the shocking attack in Boulder, Colorado, has been revealed to be an Egyptian national who entered the United States on an expired tourist visa. According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday, Mohamed Sabry Soliman arrived in the U.S. from Egypt in August 2022 but remained past the expiration of his visa in February 2023.
Official Tricia McLaughlin noted in a social media post, "The Colorado Terrorist attack suspect, Mohamed Soliman, is illegally in our country." She further disclosed that he had filed for asylum shortly after entering the country in September 2022, although specific details regarding his asylum claim were not provided.
The harrowing attack unfolded on Sunday, with authorities labeling it an act of terrorism. Reports indicate that Soliman used a "makeshift flamethrower" against a group of peaceful protesters showing support for Israeli hostages in Gaza. Eyewitnesses played a crucial role in identifying him as the assailant, leading to his arrest. He has since been charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder. Authorities have not yet confirmed if any victims succumbed to their injuries, though two individuals remain in critical condition.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, a U.S. official relayed that the National Counterterrorism Center had communicated with federal law enforcement on the day of the attack and revealed no prior derogatory information about the suspect.
This incident has sparked discussions around immigration policies and safety protocols, particularly regarding those who enter the country on temporary visas and their subsequent legal status.
