‘We won't tolerate it': Immigration lawyer, AG Weiser weigh in on Boulder attack
BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR) — Attorney General Phil Weiser says he is shaken by the attack in Boulder — another premeditated attack that Weiser says could have been avoided.
'What didn't happen here that we're going to be looking at, just like with the Boulder King Sooper shooting, is did someone know something and didn't know who to talk to?' Weiser said.
Suspect charged with federal hate crime after attacking pro-Israel group in Boulder
According to federal immigration officials, Mohamed Sabry Soliman entered the country in 2022 on a B-2 tourist visa, which is used for tourists from outside the United States to visit. The visa expired in 2023, and he applied for asylum and was awaiting approval.
Asylum could take weeks, months, or in some cases, years to get approved, according to immigration lawyer Laura Lichter.
'The fact that they've applied for asylum does not necessarily protect them against deportation unless an immigration judge finds that there's a reason that that person would fear harm if they were sent back to their home country,' Lichter said.
Lichter said it is up to the federal government as this case goes forward.
'It's up to the government to let that criminal process go to conclusion before they take action against the person in terms of any immigration case,' Lichter said.
Weiser says he will be working with the Boulder District Attorney with the support he needs to ensure justice is served.
Emergency fund created for victims, Jewish safety after Boulder terrorist attack
'We're taking action, and we hold this individual account to make a strong statement. We won't tolerate it,' Weiser said.
Litcher said that immigration issues can be very complicated and Soliman's future could change depending on what happens in the days ahead with his trial and decisions made at the federal level.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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