Editor’s note: Story was updated at 5:15 p.m. EST.
(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Justice has filed charges against illegal immigrant Mohamed Sabry Soliman, in addition to other local and federal charges, following Sunday afternoon’s terrorist attack at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall.
Law enforcement officials condemned the attack at a press conference Monday afternoon.
“We hope justice will help heal the people in this community and in the communities throughout the country shaken by yesterday’s attack,” said Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell for the District of Colorado. “We fully intend to hold Mr. Solomon accountable for his actions, and these charges are the first step.”
According to officials at the press conference, Soliman will be facing the following charges:
One charge of commission of a hate crime, with a maximum sentence of life in prison.Sixteen counts of attempted murder in the first degree, with a maximum sentence of 384 years.Two counts of use of an incendiary device, with a maximum sentence of 48 years.Sixteen counts of attempted use of an incendiary device, with a maximum sentence of 192 years.
Grewell said further charges might be considered moving forward, including a terrorism charge.
The Boulder Police Department reported Monday that no fatalities have yet been recorded.
“No victims have died,” the department said in a statement.
That comes as the FBI Denver agents continue to investigate what they have labeled “a targeted act of terrorism.”
The attack started at 1:26 p.m. when multiple people were set on fire during a pro-Israel event organized by Run for Their Lives, an organization that advocates for the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza.
“Witnesses reported that the suspect used a makeshift flame thrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd,” the FBI stated. “The suspect was also heard to yell ‘Free Palestine’ during the attack.”
Soliman, 45, was arrested at the scene. Soliman is an Egyptian national who was in the U.S. illegally after overstaying his visa, according to authorities.
Following the attack, the Denver FBI office reported there were eight victims: four women and four men ages 52 to 88. Four additional victims with minor injuries were also discovered through the investigation over the past day.
During the press conference, new details were revealed about the attacker. Grewell said Soliman attempted to buy a firearm, but was unable to because he was not a U.S. citizen. He also had 16 unused Molotov cocktails that were found at the scene.
Soliman is booked in the Boulder County Jail on multiple felony charges. His bond is set at $10 million. He will be appearing before a judge late Monday afternoon.
Law enforcement officials said they do not believe Soliman had any accomplices.
“At this time, it appears the perpetrator acted alone. We do continue to investigate all possibilities and pursue all investigative leads,” said Mark Michalek, special agent in charge for FBI Denver. “If we uncover evidence that others knew of this attack … rest assured that we will aggressively move to hold them accountable to the fullest extent.”
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said there will continue to be heightened security throughout the city to ensure the community’s safety, but added his department has no specific concerns.
“We are absolutely in a really good place for 24 hours into this investigation,” he said. “The bottom line message is we want everyone to feel safe. We will not condone these types of attacks and acts in our community.”
