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
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.