Connect the Red Dots
- Suspect Overstayed Visa: Mohamed Sabry Soliman entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in August 2022, which expired in February 2023. He was granted work authorization in March 2023, which expired in March 2025, making his stay illegal at the time of the attack.
- Planned Ideological Attack: Soliman allegedly planned the attack for over a year, targeting a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, using Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower.
- Victims Include Elderly and Holocaust Survivor: Eight individuals aged between 52 and 88 were injured, including a Holocaust survivor.
- Federal Hate Crime Charges Filed: Soliman faces multiple felony charges, including federal hate crime charges, for the attack.
- Criticism of Immigration Policies: The incident has sparked criticism of Biden-era immigration policies, highlighting concerns over visa overstays and inadequate enforcement.
The Boulder attack is a stark reminder of the consequences of lax immigration enforcement. When individuals can overstay visas with little to no oversight, it creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by those with malicious intent. This isn’t just a policy failure; it’s a national security risk.
It’s time for a comprehensive review and overhaul of our immigration system. Ensuring that visa overstays are promptly addressed and that work authorizations are closely monitored is essential. The safety of American citizens should be the paramount concern, and policies must reflect that priority.
