Family of Boulder Firebombing Suspect Detained by Federal Authorities: Sources
Family of Boulder firebombing suspect under federal custody and facing expedited removal.
The family members of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in the recent firebombing incident in Boulder, Colorado, have been taken into federal custody, according to officials with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Authorities confirmed that Soliman's wife and five children were detained as part of an ongoing investigation into the June 1 attack that left a dozen people injured.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the development in a video statement, emphasizing that while Soliman will be prosecuted to the "fullest extent of the law," investigators are also examining whether his family was aware of or provided any support for what authorities describe as a "horrific attack." The family is now being processed for expedited removal from the United States as the federal probe expands to include their possible involvement.
Soliman, an Egyptian national, has been under scrutiny not only for the alleged attack but also for his immigration status. According to multiple officials, Soliman initially entered the U.S. at Los Angeles International Airport on August 27, 2022, on a non-immigrant visa valid until February 2, 2023. Although he filed a claim with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shortly after his arrival, he overstayed his authorized period of stay and was later granted work authorization on March 29, 2023, which remained valid through earlier this year.
The incident in question took place during a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder. Witnesses say Soliman allegedly threw a bottle containing a flammable substance toward a crowd, causing significant flames and injuring twelve individuals. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. The attack drew immediate condemnation and prompted swift action from law enforcement agencies at both the state and federal levels.
Soliman currently faces a host of serious charges, including multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, possession of incendiary devices, and several hate crime allegations. Prosecutors detailed that he is charged with sixteen counts of attempted first-degree murder—eight with intent and deliberation, and eight more for attempted murder with extreme indifference—as well as charges related to the use and attempted use of incendiary devices.
If convicted and given consecutive sentences on all counts, Soliman faces the possibility of up to 624 years in prison. Additionally, federal hate crime charges related to the victims' race, religion, or national origin could significantly add to his legal jeopardy. He remains behind bars, held on a $10 million bond, as he awaits his next court appearance scheduled for Thursday, June 5.
The case continues to draw national attention not only because of the violence involved but also due to the broader questions it raises about immigration enforcement and potential radicalization. Federal and local authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation proceeds.
