Crime
Boulder terror attack suspect identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman
Federal and local authorities have identified the suspect in Sunday’s violent attack at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado, as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman.
The incident, which officials are investigating as a terrorist act, resulted in multiple injuries after incendiary devices were thrown into a crowd participating in a peaceful demonstration.
According to the FBI, eyewitnesses reported that the suspect used a makeshift flamethrower and threw a Molotov cocktail into the crowd.
The attack occurred near the Boulder County Courthouse, where the demonstration organized by the group Run For Their Lives was underway.
The group had gathered for a peaceful walk to raise awareness about Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.
Witness accounts indicate that Soliman appeared to be disguised as a landscaper before launching the incendiary devices.
Several individuals, including children, suffered burn injuries. Video from the scene shows scorch marks on the pavement near the courthouse, and at least one person was seen being transported on a stretcher. Photos shared by onlookers show a shirtless man—believed to be the suspect—being detained by Boulder police.
Emergency responders from the Boulder Police Department, FBI, fire services, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol arrived at the scene shortly after 4:00 p.m. The affected area—including the 1200, 1300, and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street between Walnut and Pine Streets—was evacuated immediately. Authorities also began investigating a “vehicle of interest” believed to be connected to the suspect.
At a press briefing on Sunday afternoon, FBI Director Kash Patel called the event a “targeted act of terrorism.” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that federal agents remain on site and are working in close coordination with local agencies to secure the area and collect evidence.
According to three senior officials within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the suspect in the recent Boulder terror attack—identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman—is an Egyptian national who is reportedly in the United States unlawfully as a visa overstay.
The sources indicate that Soliman entered the U.S. on August 27, 2022, through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) using a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visitor visa. His visa permitted an authorized stay until February 26, 2023; however, records reportedly show that he did not depart the country by that deadline.
Further information provided by DHS officials suggests that on September 29, 2022, Soliman submitted a filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—believed to be an asylum claim, although this has not been officially confirmed. Subsequently, on March 29, 2023, USCIS granted him work authorization, valid through March 28, 2025, under existing policies of the Biden administration.
The details surrounding Soliman’s immigration status are now part of a broader investigation following his arrest in connection with Sunday’s incendiary attack at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado. Federal and local authorities continue to review the suspect’s background, immigration records, and any potential national security implications stemming from the case.
Public records and a professional profile believed to belong to Soliman suggest he may have experience in finance, digital marketing, and international financial reporting. He is reportedly bilingual in English and Arabic and may have family residing in Colorado. These personal details are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials have stated that while injuries sustained in the attack are not believed to be life-threatening, several victims—some of them minors—were treated for burns at the scene or transported to local hospitals.
The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement continues to urge the public to avoid the downtown Boulder area as the scene remains active.
Crime
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.