The man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at a group participating in a peaceful demonstration on the Pearl Street Mall in Denver Sunday, injuring several, filed an asylum claim in September 2022 after coming into the United States on a visitor visa the month before, federal officials said.

Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was booked into the Boulder County jail late Sunday night after the attack, which federal authorities are calling an “act of terrorism.” According to previous Gazette reporting, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino both confirmed on social media that federal agents are involved and are investigating it as an “ideologically motivated” attack.

Boulder attack suspect held on $10 million bond

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Soliman was in the country illegally at the time of the attack. He entered the country in August 2022 on a B2 visa that expired in February 2023. He filed for asylum in September 2022, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated in a social media post Monday morning.

A B2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for someone who wants to enter the country temporarily for tourism. Soliman is reported to be an Egyptian national.

Officials say Soliman is from Colorado Springs. The FBI and other law enforcement officers gathered at a house in Colorado Springs Sunday evening where local records indicate Soliman may have lived, but little detail was given to reporters on scene. 

According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the agency received three non-criminal calls for service – a juvenile contact and two 911 hang-up calls – to the residence on Washo Circle. The Sheriff’s Office also reported deputies had four contacts involving Soliman, all of which were traffic stops.

Officials have not yet released the specific charges Soliman will face, however the Boulder County jail lists him as being held on $10 million cash-only bond on a range of possible charges that include first-degree murder with extreme indifference, crimes against at an risk adult, using an incendiary device during a felony and first-degree assault.

Boulder attack suspect held on $10 million bond

The attack occurred just before 1:30 p.m. Sunday near 13th and Pearl streets during a weekly event called the “peaceful humanitarian walk for hostages,” organized by the group Run For Their Lives, which raises awareness about Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Witnesses say a man was waiting near the historic courthouse with bottles in hand. He allegedly shouted “free Palestine” and threw what officials described as a makeshift flamethrower or Molotov cocktail into the crowd.

Eight people between the ages of 52 and 88 were injured. The victims include four men and four women. Some victims suffered burns and were transported to Denver-area hospitals. UCHealth’s University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora confirmed it received two patients who were airlifted from the scene.

The Boulder Police Department on Monday said none of the burn victims had died.

Soliman’s first court date is set for Monday afternoon in Boulder, according to court records. A federal case has not yet been filed as of Monday morning. 

This is a developing story. More details will be shared as they become available.