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
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.