Lawmakers point fingers at antisemitism, immigration in Boulder attack

An attack labeled “terrorist” in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado has sparked outrage among lawmakers, underscoring antisemitism and policies on immigration.

The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was arrested in Boulder. He is accused of using a “makeshift flame thrower” and “threw an incendiary device into the crowd,” injuring eight, according to the FBI.

Soliman was reportedly heard yelling, “Free Palestine” during the attack. In the Middle East, Hamas – a Palestinian Sunni Islamist group – attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and fighting has continued since in the Gaza Strip leading to protests and demonstrations including in America.

Published reports say more than 54,000 have died in addition to the nearly 1,200 initially killed by Hamas. The militants also took 251 hostage, many of which did not make it out alive.

“The Colorado Terrorist attack suspect, Mohamed Soliman, is illegally in our country,” Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, posted on social media. “He entered the country in August 2022 on a B2 visa that expired in February 2023. He filed for asylum in September 2022.”

President Donald Trump on social media pointed a finger at the Biden administration for its “open border policy.” He said such attacks “will not be tolerated” and confirm why borders should be secure.

He added, “My heart goes out to the victims of this terrible tragedy, and the great people of Boulder, Colorado.”

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., echoed the president’s remarks, underscoring that “border security is national security.”

On social media, he wrote that the suspect was “an Egyptian national” and an “illegal alien.” “Border security,” he wrote, “is national security and we must ensure these threats to the national are deported.”

Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Colo., is demanding justice, highlighting a rise in antisemitic violence in recent months.

“A peaceful pro-Israel walk in Boulder was attacked with firebombs, injuring multiple people,” Weinberg posted on social media. “This was a targeted act of antisemitic terror. No one in America should fear for standing with Israel. We must demand justice.”

As Republicans are pointing the blame at antisemitism and border security, Democrats are shying away from border concerns, focusing on antisemitism.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has been one of the most vocal supporters of Israel and the Jewish people in the Democratic Party. He once again called out the rise of antisemitism.

“This is unconscionable and unacceptable,” Fetterman posted on social media. “I will never understand these kinds of disgusting acts of terror – and we must call out the rampant antisemitism while working toward a solution where Jewish people can live peacefully.”

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., the House minority leader, released a statement condemning antisemitism, but like Fetterman, made no mention of the suspect’s immigration status.

“The Jewish community in America has once again become the target of a horrific, antisemitic attack,” Jeffries said in a statement. “As residents of Boulder gathered on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot to raise awareness for the hostages still being held captive in Gaza, the peacefulness of their assembly was shattered. Antisemitism has no place in our nation or anywhere throughout the world. It must be crushed.”

The incident in Boulder is the second violent attack attributed to antisemitism in less than two weeks in the country. On May 22, two Israeli embassy staffers were shot and killed in Washington in what officials described as a targeted antisemitic attack and act of terror.

The shooting occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum following an event for diplomats. Multiple media reports say the suspect repeatedly shouted, “Free Palestine,” following the attack. The suspect is Elias Rodriguez, is an American citizen from Chicago.