Crime
Suspect in Boulder Pearl Street Mall Attack Identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman
BOULDER, CO — Authorities have identified the suspect arrested in connection with the violent attack on peaceful demonstrators in downtown Boulder as Mohamed Sabry Soliman.
The incident, which took place Sunday afternoon at the Pearl Street Mall, is being investigated as a targeted terrorist attack by both federal and local law enforcement.
According to preliminary reports and witness statements, Soliman disguised himself as a landscaper before launching Molotov cocktails at participants of a pro-Israel solidarity walk, seriously injuring several individuals, including children.
The attack occurred near the Boulder County Courthouse, located at 13th and Pearl Streets.
The FBI, Boulder Police Department, and multiple emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. Witnesses reported chaos as the incendiary devices ignited flames in the crowd.
Some victims sustained burn injuries, with authorities confirming that the injuries range from minor to life-threatening.
One individual was seen being placed on a stretcher, and the area in front of the courthouse was visibly scarred by fire.
“We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Our agents and local law enforcement partners are on scene, and we will share updates as more information becomes available.” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also confirmed the bureau’s active role in the investigation, categorizing the incident as a deliberate act of terrorism.
The attack took place during a scheduled event organized by Run For Their Lives, a group advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
The organization clarified that the gathering was a peaceful walk, not a protest. The participants had met at 1:00 p.m. at Pearl Street and 8th Street, walking through the length of the mall and stopping at the courthouse for a moment of reflection and a group video.
Emergency services have cordoned off the 1200, 1300, and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street between Walnut and Pine Streets. Boulder Police issued an urgent advisory at 3:08 p.m., stating, “PLEASE AVOID THIS AREA.” Authorities are also investigating a vehicle of interest that may be linked to the attack.
Photographs submitted by witnesses show the suspect, believed to be Soliman, shirtless and being detained by police shortly after the attack.
Law enforcement has not released additional information regarding potential accomplices or the motive behind the attack.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI or Boulder Police Department.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.