The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that the suspect in the recent Colorado attack, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, entered the United States illegally2.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin stated that Soliman had no legal documentation permitting his stay in the country.
Records show that Soliman arrived in the U.S. in August 2022 on a B-2 tourist visa, which expired in February 2023.
In September 2022, he filed for asylum, but authorities have not disclosed the status of his application.
Investigations reveal that Soliman planned the attack for a year, waiting until after his daughter’s graduation to carry it out.
During the attack, Soliman used a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails, injuring eight individuals, including a Holocaust survivor.
The incident has prompted the Jewish community in the U.S. to call for increased protection to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Authorities have charged Soliman with federal hate crimes, attempted murder, and use of incendiary devices, among other offenses.
He remains in custody on a $10 million cash bond, with officials confirming that he acted alone.