Boulder Terror Suspect, an Illegal Immigrant and Healthcare Worker Turned Rideshare Driver, Details Emerge Before Attack

The suspect accused of carrying out a firebomb attack that injured a dozen people at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national. Soliman, who arrived in the United States in August 2022 on a non-immigrant visa, remained after his visa expired in February 2023, obtaining a work visa the following month, which was valid through March of this year.

During his time in Colorado, Soliman was employed in the healthcare industry, specifically working in accounting for Veros Health, a medical practice based in Centennial. A spokesperson confirmed that Soliman worked with the company from May 2023 until August 2023, having successfully cleared the required hiring procedures and background checks. After leaving Veros Health, Soliman began driving for a rideshare company in the spring of 2023, where he continued working until the expiration of his work visa in March. His rideshare account has since been terminated and law enforcement was notified immediately following the incident.

Neighbors reported that Soliman was not often seen at home due to his demanding work schedule as a rideshare driver. According to the rideshare company, Soliman met all legal and safety requirements necessary to drive in Colorado, including background checks and provision of appropriate identification. The company reported receiving no significant complaints regarding his driving or behavior prior to the attack.

The attack took place during a gathering of "Run for Their Lives" advocates at the Pearl Street Mall. The group had convened to highlight the plight of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza when Soliman allegedly descended upon them using makeshift incendiary devices, such as Molotov cocktails and what witnesses described as a flamethrower. Authorities allege that Soliman’s intent was to "burn pro-Israel demonstrators alive," resulting in injuries to twelve individuals, one of whom remains in critical condition. Among the victims was a Holocaust survivor, underscoring the horrifying nature of the assault.

Federal charging documents reveal that during the attack, Soliman shouted "Free Palestine" and expressed intentions to "kill all Zionist people," according to statements attributed to him. He confessed to preparing for the attack, indicating he purchased gasoline en route to Boulder, and chillingly stated he would commit such an act again if given the opportunity.

Soliman now faces a slew of charges at both state and federal levels. Federally, he is charged with a hate crime related to actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin. At the state level, charges include first-degree murder, crimes against at-risk adults and elderly persons, assault, criminal attempt to commit class one and class two felonies, and use of explosives or incendiary devices during the commission of a felony.

The investigation continues into Soliman’s background and potential motives, with officials scrutinizing his history in the United States and seeking to determine whether there were any warning signs of radicalization or intent to commit violence prior to the devastating attack. This incident has sparked renewed debates over visa overstays, vetting processes for work permits, and broader concerns regarding public safety at political demonstrations.