Who is Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the Colorado fire bomb attack suspect?

On June 1, 2025, Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly launched a firebomb attack during a peaceful protest in Boulder, Colorado. The attack injured eight people and shocked the local community. It also raised concerns about rising violence and extremism in the United States.

Who is Mohamed Sabry Soliman?

Mohamed Sabry Soliman is a 45-year-old Egyptian national. He arrived in the United States in August 2022 on a non-immigrant visa. His visa expired in February 2023. Despite this, he stayed in the country, reportedly under temporary work authorization. Before that, Soliman had applied for asylum in 2005 but was denied entry.

Officials are investigating how he remained in the country after his visa expired. They want to understand if any enforcement failures allowed this. The focus remains on Soliman’s motivations and actions during the attack.

The Incident: A Peaceful Protest Turns Violent

The attack happened during a peaceful event called “Run For Their Lives.” The event supported Israeli hostages held in Gaza. It took place at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, a popular pedestrian area.

Witnesses said Soliman appeared suddenly, shirtless and barefoot. He shouted slogans like “Free Palestine” and “End Zionists” while throwing Molotov cocktails and using a makeshift flamethrower. The crowd panicked and chaos erupted.

Eight people suffered burn injuries. Victims ranged from 52 to 88 years old. One victim was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. Emergency responders rushed them to hospitals. At least one person was in critical condition.

Law Enforcement Response

Police quickly arrested Soliman at the scene. He had minor injuries and was treated briefly in the hospital. The FBI labeled the attack as domestic terrorism and began a thorough investigation.

Authorities examined Soliman’s background and motives. They reviewed his online activity and communications. So far, no clear links to terrorist groups have emerged. However, officials remain cautious. Lone actors with extremist views pose serious risks.

Rising Tensions and Hate Crimes

This attack reflects growing tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Jewish communities across the U.S. have faced more anti-Semitic attacks recently. The Boulder attack targeted a pro-Israel event, making it a clear hate crime.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis called the attack a “vicious act of terrorism.” Attorney General Phil Weiser urged stronger hate crime laws and community support. Local leaders held vigils to promote peace and understanding.

Many fear political divisions now fuel violent acts. They stress the need to protect minority groups and maintain social harmony.

Immigration and Security Issues

Soliman’s immigration status has sparked debate. Critics question how he stayed in the U.S. with an expired visa. Some see this as a failure of immigration enforcement. Others warn against blaming immigrants unfairly.

Lawmakers plan to review immigration policies. They aim to balance security with fairness and humanitarian care. This case shows how complex immigration and safety concerns can be.

Moving Forward: Healing and Prevention

The Boulder community now focuses on healing. Mental health support and community programs are in place. Officials discuss better security for public events to keep people safe.

Law enforcement wants to improve intelligence and work closely with communities. Public awareness efforts encourage resilience against hate and division.

This attack reminds everyone of the ongoing threats from extremism. It highlights the need for unity and compassionate responses.