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USA Today
4 days ago
- USA Today
Security tightened at Jewish center, Boulder on edge after fiery attack
Security tightened at Jewish center, Boulder on edge after fiery attack Show Caption Hide Caption FBI investigating 'attack at Colorado mall The FBI is investigating a report of a "targeted attack" in a Boulder, Colorado mall. BOULDER, Colo. − A pedestrian mall was quiet and some police barricades were being removed Monday, but many in the community remained on edge after a "targeted" terror attack by a man with a makeshift flamethrower and firebombs set eight people aflame and fueled chaos on the streets. The attack Sunday afternoon came as a group of demonstrators called for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. One of the burn victims is a Holocaust survivor, a local rabbi said. The suspect, identified by authorities as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was taken into custody at the scene and was scheduled to appear in court Monday. The victims, ages 52 to 88, suffered injuries ranging from serious to minor, Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said Sunday. Police, in a brief statement Monday, said no victims had died overnight. The Boulder attack occurred at a "regularly scheduled, weekly, peaceful event," FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said. Anyone with videos, social media posts or digital recordings was asked to upload them at 'We stand in full solidarity with those targeted,' Michalek said. 'We will continue to ensure that justice is pursued swiftly, support is provided to victims and their communities, and preventative action is taken to protect everyone's safety.' 8 injured in Boulder: Group had gathered to support Israeli hostages Four miles from the scene of the attack, security was extra tight at the sprawling Boulder Jewish Community Center campus, where outdoor summer camp programs were being held under the watch of both police and armed private security. The JCC serves as a central hub for many area Jewish residents, and security guards are a regular at the JCC said they are still discussing how to best honor the victims of the attack and declined to comment publicly. "When events like this enter our own community, we are shaken. Our hope is that we come together for one another," center officials said in a social media post. "Strength to you all." The attack fell on the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and came less than two weeks after two Israeli Embassy aides were fatally shot outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and his girlfriend Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, were shot after a Young Diplomats reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The suspect in that attack, Elias Rodriguez, 31, chanted "Free Palestine, free Palestine," after being taken into custody by event security. He is charged with a long list of crimes including federal and local murder charges and the murder of foreign officials. The May 21 shooting is being investigated as a hate and terrorism crime. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday expressed solidarity with the victims who were attacked "simply because they were Jews. " He said he was confident U.S. authorities would prosecute "the cold blood perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law." "The antisemitic attacks around the world are a direct result of blood libels against the Jewish state and people, and this must be stopped," Netanyahu said in a statement. Soliman, of El Paso County, Colorado, was taken into custody after witnesses pointed him out, authorities said. He was booked on multiple preliminary charges including first-degree murder and using explosives or an incendiary device while committing a felony. Police said Soliman was injured in the incident and taken to a hospital to be medically evaluated before he was booked in the Boulder County jail. Stephen Miller, President Donald Trump's deputy chief of staff, said Soliman overstayed a tourist visa issued in 2022. "In response, the Biden administration gave him a work permit," Miller said in a social media post. "Immigration security is national security. No more hostile migration. Keep them out and send them back." Multiple outlets said Soliman is an Egyptian national, including CBS and Fox News, citing unnamed sources. FBI agents searched Soliman's home in El Paso County hours after the attack, the agency's field office in Denver said on X. Read more here. Soliman was in the United States on a B-2 tourism visa, according to Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. A B-2 visa is generally used for tourism and is issued by the State Department. In general, the visas are valid for six months and can be used for vacations, visiting relatives, medical treatment or participation in music, sports or events. The State Department issues millions of B-1 and B-2 visas each year. B-1 visas are similar to B-2 and allow for nonimmigrants to visit for six months for conferences and business reasons. Soliman entered the United States in August 2022 and his visa expired in February 2023. In addition, McLaughlin wrote on X that Soliman applied for asylum in 2022. That claim was likely still pending. As of March, the immigration court backlog was around 3.6 million cases, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. − Nick Penzenstadler Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, the Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder, told CBS Colorado the 88-year-old victim is a Holocaust refugee who fled Europe. Wilhelm described the woman as a "very loving person." Chany Scheiner, a friend of the victim, told KUSA-TV the woman is an 'amazing." "She has spoken at our synagogues as well as other synagogues and schools just about her background and the Holocaust and from her own perspective,' Scheiner said. 'Her life wasn't easy, but she is just a bright light. And anybody who is her friend is a friend for life.' The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the U.S. and around the world over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The war has dragged on for 20 months, since the Hamas attack on Israeli border communites that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw more than 250 others dragged across the border into Gaza as hostages. The conflict has fueled antisemitic hate crime in the U.S. Reports of incidents of antisemitism rose for a second year in a row in 2024, according to an annual report released by the Anti-Defamation League in April. The controvery also has prompted supporters of Israel, including President Donald Trump, to brand peaceful, pro-Palestinian protests as antisemitic. Who is Mohamed Soliman? FBI raids home of suspect in Colorado terror attack Earlier Sunday, Boulder dispatch received several calls to the county courthouse at around 1:26 p.m. local time, Redfearn said. Initial reports indicated that there was a man with a weapon, and people were being set on fire at the scene. Responding officers encountered multiple victims who were injured with wounds consistent with burns and other injuries, Redfearn said. Contributing: Thao Nguyen, Susan Miller and Michael Collins, USA TODAY; Reuters
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
What we know: FBI arrests Fort Carson soldier on alleged distribution charges
(FORT CARSON, Colo.) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation Denver (FBI Denver) has arrested a Fort Carson staff sergeant on federal charges related to distributing cocaine. On Wednesday night, April 30, FBI Denver special agents arrested Juan Gabriel Orona-Rodriguez, who is a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army and is currently stationed at Fort Carson. According to a Fort Carson official, Orona-Rodriguez has served almost nine years in the Army and is currently an active-duty soldier stationed with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. According to a Fort Carson official who shared Orona-Rodriguez's record, he has received multiple awards, including an Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and various Army Achievement Medals. According to the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration Rocky Mountain Field Division (DEA RMFD), the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and officials at Fort Carson participated and assisted in the investigation and 'facilitated the arrest' on Wednesday evening. 'We are aware the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of Army CID, took a Fort Carson Soldier into custody,' a Fort Carson official said. 'We will continue to cooperate with all agencies involved.' Orona-Rodriguez was being held at the El Paso County Jail before he was released to the FBI on Thursday, per the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. On Sunday, April 27, an operation led by the DEA RMFD took place at an underground club in Colorado Springs where more than 100 people who entered the U.S. illegally were taken into custody, and more than a dozen active-duty service members were found either as patrons or working as armed security at the door. 'DEA is currently conducting a joint investigation with the FBI and the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID),' a spokesperson with the DEA RMFD said. 'As this is an ongoing joint investigation led by the FBI, we are unable to provide further information at this time.' FOX21 News has reached out to the FBI and is looking to learn more about the arrest. We will update this article when more information is released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
FBI warns of scam involving document converter tools
(COLORADO) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Denver Field Office is warning of an increase in scams involving free online document converter tools. According to the FBI, criminals use free online document converter tools to load malware onto victims' computers, leading to incidents such as ransomware. To conduct the scheme, cybercriminals across the globe use any type of free document converter or downloader tool. This may be a website claiming to convert one type of file to another, such as a .doc file to a .pdf file. It might also claim to combine files, such as joining multiple .jpg files into one .pdf file. The converters and downloading tools will do the task as advertised, but the resulting file can contain hidden malware giving criminals access to the victim's computer. The converters can scrap submitted files for: Personal identifying information, such as social security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers, and more Banking information Cryptocurrency information (seed phrases, wallet addresses, etc.) Email addresses Passwords 'The best way to thwart these fraudsters is to educate people so they don't fall victim to these fraudsters in the first place,' said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. 'If you or someone you know has been affected by this scheme, we encourage you make a report and take actions to protect our assests. Every day, we are working to hold these scammers accountable and provide victims with the resources they need.' FBI Denver says many victims don't realize they have been infected by malware until it is too late, and their computer is infected with ransomware or their identity has been stolen. The law enforcement agency encourages individuals to take the following steps to protect themselves from this scam: Take a breath, slow down, and think. Be aware of your actions online and what risks you could be exposed to. Keep your virus scan software up to date and scan any file you receive before opening it to help eliminate malicious software from being installed on your computer. If you are a victim of this scam, FBI Denver recommends taking the next steps: Contact your financial institutions immediately. Take steps to protect your identity and your accounts. Change all your passwords using a clean, trusted device. Make a report at Run up-to-date virus scan software to check for potentially malicious software installed by the scammers. Consider taking your computer to a professional company specializing in virus and malware removal services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
ICE targets 100+ Venezuelan gang members for arrest in immigration operation in metro area
DENVER (KDVR) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeted over 100 members of the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, for arrest and detention as part of the multi-location immigration enforcement operation in Aurora and Denver Wednesday morning. This operation, which the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Rocky Mountain Division is calling the 'Return to Sender Operation,' took at least 10 people into custody at the Cedar Run Apartments at 888 S Oneida St. in Denver, according to a DEA spokesperson on scene. FOX31's Jim Hooley was at the apartment complex where residents told him they received a knock on their door around 6 a.m. with officers asking for their identification. Another nearby witness said he saw people being taken out of their cars. Buckley Space Force Base providing facilities for ICE immigration processing Hooley later saw at least eight to 10 people being loaded onto a bus with handcuffs. DEA Rocky Mountain said in a post on X just after 7 a.m. that agents were conducting search warrant operations across the metro area. FBI Denver said in a post on X these were 'immigration enforcement efforts.' The DEA Rocky Mountain Division said this was part of the operation that was expected to start in Aurora on Jan. 30. This operation was reportedly delayed because information was leaked and posed security threats. Other agencies on scene at the Cedar Run Apartments included the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshall Sevice, DEA Rocky Mountain Division, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Denver Police Department and FBI Denver. Throughout the morning, there was a SWAT car and an officer on a loudspeaker telling people in the area to stay in their apartments and cars. DEA Rocky Mountain Division's X post showed a video of two armed agents outside an apartment complex while it was still dark outside throwing a device that distributed gas outside the area. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Hooley confirmed another raid took place at The Edge at Lowry in Aurora. There are reportedly at least four other locations, however, these other locations have yet to be confirmed. While Hooley said most law enforcement agencies have left the Denver apartment complex, this is still an ongoing investigation. At this time, it's unclear if other areas will be a part of this operation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man sentenced to 20 years for human-trafficking charges related to 6 victims
DENVER (KDVR) — On Friday, a Denver judge sentenced a 31-year-old man to serve 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to two charges under a plea agreement, leading to another 18 charges filed against him in 2022 being dropped. According to FBI Denver, Biggs' sentence was the result of collaboration with the Denver police and the Denver District Attorney's Office. The agency also noted that From Silenced to Save, a recipient of the FBI's Director's Community Leadership Award and Denver-based nonprofit, helped 'numerous' victims during the case. Aurora suspects accused of kidnap, torture appear in court under heavy security The nonprofit shared details of the case in a post on Facebook. The group said that Biggs 'victimized at least two 15-year-old girls, as well as two 16 and 17-year-old girls for his own gain, totaling six young girls that were identified.' Biggs pleaded guilty to one count of attempted sexual assault of a child and one count of distributing a controlled substance to a minor. He was sentenced to 20 years in the Department of Corrections, followed by a minimum of eight years on sex offender probation, and three years of parole. Charges of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude, sexual assault of a victim incapable of appraising conditions, and contributing to a delinquency of a minor, were dropped under the plea agreement. From Silenced to Saved said survivors who attended Friday's sentencing 'stool tall and powerful in court' while reading their statements. 'These young survivors and their parents said things like, 'I will not say his name for my entire life because monsters like him don't deserve the respect of a name,' and 'I told him my age and he said well you're close to 18,'' the nonprofit posted. 'We are happy that Mr. Biggs will be off the streets and unable to harm young girls for many years to come. Multiple agencies assisted in this case for years and FSTS thanks their steadfast efforts.' According to Colorado court records, Biggs' case is up for review on Feb. 26. According to Colorado Department of Corrections records, Biggs is currently held at the Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center and is scheduled for his next parole hearing in 2032. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
