Key Takeaways
• Mohamed Sabry Soliman attacked a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, injuring eight people on June 1, 2025.
• Soliman entered the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa in 2022, filed asylum, had a work permit, then overstayed illegally.
• FBI investigates as terrorism; attack sparks scrutiny of visa overstays, asylum processing, and work permit policies.
A violent attack during a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, on June 1, 2025, has brought renewed attention to U.S. immigration policies and procedures. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, is accused of setting multiple people on fire with a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices. The FBI and other federal agencies are investigating the incident as a targeted act of terrorism. This event, now widely referred to as the Colorado terror attack, has raised urgent questions about visa overstays, asylum applications, and the effectiveness of current immigration enforcement.
What Happened in Boulder?
On the afternoon of June 1, 2025, a peaceful walk organized by “Run for Their Lives” was underway in Boulder. The group aimed to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Suddenly, chaos erupted when Mohamed Sabry Soliman attacked participants using incendiary devices. Eight people, aged between 52 and 88, suffered burns. At least one victim remains in critical condition.
Law enforcement responded quickly, arresting Soliman at the scene. He is now held at Boulder County Jail on a $10 million bond, facing multiple felony charges, including the use of an incendiary device and possibly attempted murder. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Counterterrorism Center are leading the investigation. Officials, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser, have condemned the attack, calling it both a hate crime and an act of terror.
Who Is Mohamed Sabry Soliman?
Mohamed Sabry Soliman is an Egyptian national who entered the United States 🇺🇸 on August 27, 2022, through Los Angeles International Airport. He arrived on a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa, which is typically issued for tourism or business purposes. This visa was valid until February 26, 2023.
Shortly after arriving, Soliman filed for asylum on September 29, 2022, while still in legal status. Asylum is a form of protection for people who fear persecution in their home country. While his asylum application was pending, Soliman received a work permit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on March 29, 2023. This work permit allowed him to work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 and was valid until March 28, 2025.
However, after his work permit expired, Soliman remained in the country illegally for over two months before the Colorado terror attack. DHS sources have confirmed that Soliman had previously been denied a U.S. visa in 2005, but there is no public record of other attempts to enter the United States 🇺🇸 before 2022.
Immigration Timeline: Mohamed Soliman’s Path
To understand how Soliman’s immigration status changed over time, here is a step-by-step timeline:
- August 27, 2022: Entered the United States 🇺🇸 at Los Angeles International Airport on a B1/B2 visa (valid until February 26, 2023).
- September 29, 2022: Filed for asylum with USCIS while still in legal status.
- March 29, 2023: Granted work authorization by USCIS (valid until March 28, 2025).
- February 26, 2023: Original B1/B2 visa expired; remained in the United States 🇺🇸 under pending asylum and work permit.
- March 28, 2025: Work permit expired; became unlawfully present in the United States 🇺🇸.
- June 1, 2025: Committed the attack in Boulder, Colorado.
This timeline shows how Soliman’s legal status shifted from a visa holder to an asylum applicant with work authorization, and finally to someone unlawfully present after his work permit expired.
How the U.S. Asylum and Work Permit System Works
The U.S. asylum system allows people who fear persecution in their home country to apply for protection. If someone applies for asylum while their visa is still valid, they can usually stay in the United States 🇺🇸 while their case is reviewed. After a certain waiting period, asylum applicants can apply for a work permit, officially called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This document lets them work legally while their asylum case is pending.
The form used to apply for asylum is Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. To apply for a work permit, asylum applicants use Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
If the work permit expires and the person’s asylum case is still pending, they may become unlawfully present in the United States 🇺🇸 unless they renew their work permit or receive another form of legal status. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this gap between the expiration of work permits and the final decision on asylum cases can create confusion and enforcement challenges.
Official Responses and Stakeholder Reactions
Law Enforcement and Federal Agencies
The FBI is treating the Colorado terror attack as a targeted, ideologically motivated act of terrorism. FBI Denver Special Agent Mark Michalek stated, “It is clear that this is a targeted act of violence and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism.” The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed Soliman’s visa overstay and illegal presence in the country at the time of the attack.
State and Local Officials
Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser have strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a hate crime and an act of terror. They have promised full state support for the investigation and for the victims.
White House and Political Leaders
The White House, through Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies. Miller pointed to the case as a failure of vetting and enforcement, arguing that stricter controls are needed to prevent similar incidents.
Community and Religious Leaders
The Boulder Jewish Community Center and event organizers have expressed heartbreak over the attack. They are calling for increased security at Jewish community events and for stronger action against antisemitic violence. Many in the community are shaken, and there is a growing sense of vulnerability among those who participate in pro-Israel demonstrations.
Policy Implications: Scrutiny of Visa and Asylum Procedures
The Colorado terror attack has led to intense scrutiny of U.S. visa and asylum procedures. Lawmakers and immigration experts are demanding answers from USCIS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about how Soliman’s asylum application was allowed to proceed despite his visa overstay.
Key concerns include:
- Issuance of Work Permits: Asylum applicants can receive work permits even if their original visa has expired. Critics argue this creates opportunities for people to remain in the country without proper vetting.
- Visa Overstays: Millions of non-citizens remain in the United States 🇺🇸 after their authorized period ends. Enforcement of visa overstays is a longstanding challenge.
- Asylum Backlogs: Delays in processing asylum cases mean that people can remain in the country for years while their cases are pending, sometimes with little oversight.
Some lawmakers are calling for:
- Stricter vetting of asylum applicants
- Faster removal of people who overstay visas
- Policy reforms to close loopholes in the system
At the same time, civil liberties groups warn against using isolated incidents like the Colorado terror attack to justify broad crackdowns on asylum seekers or immigrants. They stress the importance of due process and individualized review.
The Broader Context: Rising Tensions and Antisemitism
The attack in Boulder comes at a time of heightened tensions in the United States 🇺🇸, especially around issues related to Israel and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. There has been a noticeable increase in antisemitic incidents, and Jewish and pro-Israel organizations are urging stronger protections for their communities.
The “Run for Their Lives” event was meant to be a peaceful demonstration, but the violence has left many feeling unsafe. Community leaders are now reassessing security protocols for public events, especially those involving Jewish or other targeted groups.
What Happens Next? Ongoing Investigation and Policy Debate
Federal investigations into the Colorado terror attack are ongoing. Soliman may face additional charges, including federal terrorism indictments. Congressional hearings and policy reviews are expected on the handling of visa overstays, asylum applications, and the issuance of work permits.
In the coming weeks, there will likely be:
- Calls for Legislative Changes: Lawmakers may propose new laws to tighten asylum eligibility, speed up the removal of visa overstays, and improve vetting of applicants.
- Community Security Reviews: Jewish and other community organizations are reviewing their security measures for public events.
- Public Debate: The incident is fueling a national debate over immigration enforcement, asylum policy, and community safety.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Community Members
If you are an immigrant or asylum seeker in the United States 🇺🇸, it is important to:
- Keep Track of Your Visa and Work Permit Expiration Dates: Overstaying your visa or letting your work permit expire can lead to serious legal problems.
- Renew Documents on Time: If you have a pending asylum case, make sure to renew your work permit before it expires. Use Form I-765 for work permit renewal.
- Stay Informed About Policy Changes: Immigration laws and policies can change quickly, especially after high-profile incidents like the Colorado terror attack. Check official sources like USCIS.gov for the latest updates.
- Seek Legal Help if Needed: If you are unsure about your status or need help with immigration forms, consider contacting a qualified immigration attorney or a recognized nonprofit organization.
For community members and event organizers:
- Review Security Plans: Work with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of public events, especially those that may be targeted.
- Report Threats or Suspicious Activity: If you see something concerning, contact your local police or the FBI Denver Field Office.
Official Resources
For more information or assistance, you can contact:
- Boulder Police Department: bouldercolorado.gov/police
- FBI Denver Field Office: fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/denver
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): uscis.gov
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): dhs.gov
- Colorado Governor’s Office: colorado.gov/governor
You can also find detailed information about asylum and work permit policies on the official USCIS website.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in Immigration Policy?
The Colorado terror attack involving Mohamed Sabry Soliman has become a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement, asylum policy, and community security. As investigations continue and policymakers debate possible reforms, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing the U.S. immigration system.
For immigrants, staying informed and following legal requirements is more important than ever. For communities, especially those at risk of targeted violence, working together with law enforcement and reviewing security measures can help protect public safety.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the case highlights the need for clear rules, timely enforcement, and careful review of all immigration applications. The coming months will likely bring new policy proposals and changes aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future, while balancing the rights and safety of all who live in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
B1/B2 Visa → A U.S. nonimmigrant visa for tourists or business visitors, valid for a temporary stay.
Asylum → Protection granted to individuals fearing persecution in their home countries while residing in the U.S.
Work Permit → Also called Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allows asylum applicants to legally work during their case.
Visa Overstay → Remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorized period granted by a visa without legal status.
Incendiary Device → An item designed to start fires, used here as a weapon during the Colorado attack.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 1, 2025, Mohamed Sabry Soliman attacked a pro-Israel protest in Boulder using incendiary devices, injuring eight. Authorities arrested him, revealing his complex immigration status involving asylum and visa overstays. The incident prompts urgent review of U.S. immigration enforcement, asylum procedures, and work permit regulations amid rising security concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com
