Boulder Terror Suspect Allegedly Overstayed Visa, Work Permit Issued During Biden Administration
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national accused of firebombing Jewish activists in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly overstayed his visa and received a work permit during the Biden administration. His work permit expired in March, and he was living in the country illegally at the time of the attack. The FBI reports he shouted ‘Free Palestine’ and used a makeshift flamethrower. The attack, which injured eight elderly victims, has led to multiple charges, including murder and assault. The Department of Justice is investigating the incident, emphasizing the need to prosecute all perpetrators.
The suspect, whose work permit was issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in March 2023, had entered the United States in August 2022 with an expired visa. A DHS spokeswoman stated that Soliman had applied for asylum during that time, indicating he sought refuge from his home country. The sources noted that his work permit had been granted during the Biden administration, but it had expired by March, coinciding with the time of the attack. This raises questions about the effectiveness of immigration oversight and the potential gaps in the system that allowed an individual to remain in the United States legally for several months after an expired visa.
According to the FBI, the attack occurred at an outdoor mall in Boulder, where pro-Israel activists were participating in a Run for Their Lives protest. The event, organized by the Anti-Defamation League, has been a weekly gathering for Jewish community members to support hostages in Gaza held by Hamas terrorists. The victim who survived the Holocaust and was targeted during the attack is a symbol of the ongoing struggle and the vulnerability of individuals, regardless of age, to acts of violence and terrorism.
Leo Terrell, a top official in the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, highlighted the emotional impact of the attack, noting that the victim had endured the worst evil in human history. Terrell emphasized that the victim had come to America seeking safety and was now subjected to another act of terrorism decades later. The federal agency is working alongside local law enforcement to investigate the incident and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice, underscoring the importance of holding individuals accountable for such heinous acts.
In addition to state charges, federal charges are also being explored. The DOJ spokesperson confirmed that agents are investigating the tragic attack in Boulder, Colorado, and expressed sympathy for the victims, emphasizing that they will follow the facts and prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about immigration policies, the effectiveness of U.S. border security, and the potential consequences of lax oversight, particularly during periods of political change.
The case has garnered significant public attention, with many calling for increased scrutiny of immigration processes and stronger enforcement measures to prevent similar incidents. The attack has also intensified discussions about national security and the broader implications of allowing individuals with potential ties to radical ideologies to reside in the United States. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.