House investigating immigration history of Boulder terrorism suspect
The House Homeland Security Committee has initiated an examination into the immigration status of Mohamed Sabry soliman, the suspect in a recent violent attack targeting a Jewish gathering in Boulder, colorado. The committee, led by Chair Mark Green and Counterterrorism Subcommittee Chair August Pfluger, seeks to understand why Soliman was not deported despite overstaying his visa.This inquiry follows his admission to the U.S. on a B2 nonimmigrant visa and a subsequent legal work permit he obtained in March 2023 after applying shortly after his entry.
Soliman, an Egyptian national, is charged with a federal hate crime after using a flamethrower to injure participants in a “Run for Thier Lives” event advocating for the release of Israeli hostages. He had allegedly planned the attack for about a year,motivated by anti-Zionist sentiments. The investigation comes amid growing concerns about national security and the potential threats posed by individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. The Committee has requested specific immigration documents related to Soliman’s status from the Department of Homeland Security by June 10.Additionally, the situation has prompted discussions around legislation that could criminalize overstaying visas.
House launches inquiry into immigration history of Boulder terrorism suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman
EXCLUSIVE — The House Homeland Security Committee launched an investigation into the immigration history of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in an attack that targeted Jews in Boulder, Colorado, earlier this week.
House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) and Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) notified the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday that the committee’s investigation was underway with an examination of Soliman’s immigration status and why he was not deported by the federal government after overstaying his visa, according to a letter that committee leaders sent to the DHS obtained by the Washington Examiner.
“[T]he individual who conducted the most recent attack in Boulder is part of a broader pattern — he overstayed his visa and was allowed to remain in the country,” Green said in a statement. “The House Homeland Security Committee has an important responsibility to assess how DHS can address the national security threats posed by individuals who are unlawfully present in the country.”
In the letter, Green and Pfluger informed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem that the committee was investigating the details surrounding Soliman’s admission to the United States.
“This tragedy is indicative of a heightened terrorism/threat on U.S. soil, signaling an urgent need for increased homeland security measures, particularly with respect to foreign nationals who are unlawfully present in the United States, as Soliman reportedly overstayed a nonimmigrant visa,” the letter said.
The committee leaders asked Noem to provide Soliman’s “Alien File,” a term for the immigration forms and documents related to a non-U.S. citizen’s interactions with the government and law enforcement. Green and Pfluger asked for the information by June 10.
Soliman, an Egyptian national, would have entered the U.S. on a B2 nonimmigrant visa, which means he was approved to stay in the country temporarily.
One month after arriving, Soliman reportedly filed an unspecified claim in September 2022 seeking documents to work legally and was granted them in March 2023, according to CNN. His work permit lasted two years.
Soliman was charged on Monday with a federal hate crime after admitting he targeted what he called a “Zionist group” in downtown Boulder. He planned the assault for a year, according to federal authorities. He will face those charges before any deportation from the U.S.
Soliman was arrested and charged with using a flamethrower to injure 12 people on Pearl Street Mall, where demonstrators were gathered for a weekly “Run for Their Lives” event to demand the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Investigators and witnesses said Soliman yelled “Free Palestine” and “End Zionists” during the attack.
Soliman was a resident of El Paso County, located south of Boulder, which includes Colorado City. The DHS announced Tuesday afternoon that it was arresting Soliman’s wife and five children.
The attack on Sunday came several weeks after the murders of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.
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“The heinous attack in Boulder this Sunday was part of a disturbing pattern of violent antisemitism taking root in our communities in the wake of the October 7 attacks,” Pfluger said in a statement.
“With heightened threats against the U.S. and its allies, Congress must get answers on why this individual was able to remain in the country and what signs were missed that led to this attack — and could lead to more,” Pfluger added.
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