Crime
Who is Mohamed Sabry Soliman, man linked to Boulder Pearl Street Mall targeted terror attack?
Authorities have identified the suspect arrested in connection with Sunday’s violent incident at the Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder, Colorado, as Mohamed Sabry Soliman.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that Soliman was taken into custody shortly after reportedly throwing Molotov cocktails into a crowd participating in a peaceful demonstration.
Multiple individuals, including children, sustained burn injuries as a result of the attack.
The demonstration, organized by the group Run For Their Lives, was a solidarity walk held to raise awareness about Israeli hostages in Gaza.
The event began at 1:00 p.m. and was proceeding through the Pearl Street Mall when the incident occurred near the Boulder County Courthouse.
According to witness accounts, the suspect appeared to be disguised as a landscaper before launching incendiary devices into the crowd.
Video footage from the scene shows what appears to be a burn scar near the courthouse and a person being transported by stretcher.
Photographs shared by bystanders show a shirtless individual being detained by police.
Federal and local authorities responded to the scene, and Boulder Police, in coordination with the FBI and other emergency services, have launched a full investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the attack as a targeted act of terrorism during a press briefing on Sunday afternoon.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that federal agents are working alongside local law enforcement to gather evidence and ensure public safety.
The affected area, including the 1200, 1300, and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street between Walnut and Pine Streets, was immediately evacuated.
A “vehicle of interest” is also under investigation in connection with the incident, and authorities continue to advise the public to avoid the downtown area while the investigation remains active.
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 under the name Mohamed 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 details are still being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials emphasized that while initial injuries were not classified as life-threatening, several individuals, including children, sustained burns and were treated on the scene or transported to area hospitals.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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.