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
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.