DENVER, June 5, 2025–Colorado Ceasefire issued this statement on reports that Boulder terrorism suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman attempted to purchase a handgun in late 2024. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that Soliman attempted to purchase the weapon in Colorado Springs on Nov. 22, 2024. The purchase was denied after his application was processed through the CBI InstaCheck system, which relied on information from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). While specific reasons for the denial were not shared, it has been widely reported that it was due to Soliman’s immigration status. Legal immigrants are permitted to purchase firearms in the United States. However, they may be denied this right based on their criminal history.
The statement follows:
“Colorado Ceasefire extends our deepest sympathies to the victims of this attack as well as the larger Boulder community. There is no question that this heartbreaking act of terror could have been much deadlier if the suspect had possessed a gun. We are thankful to say that because of Colorado’s common-sense background check system, he did not.
“We wish to thank the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for maintaining our state’s InstaCheck system, which performed exactly as was intended when HB13-1229, the legislation requiring universal background checks for firearm purchases, was passed. Colorado Ceasefire was a major driver of this legislation, and we encourage citizens in the 32 states still lacking universal background check laws to demand that their representatives work for their safety by enacting such legislation.
“We also feel we would be remiss if we did not point out that the Federal system Colorado’s InstaCheck works with—the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)—has been a target of the gun lobby since its inception. As a part of its assault on common-sense gun laws, the Trump Administration is reported to be considering doing away with NICS. In fact, FBI Director Kash Patel pointedly refused to say during his confirmation hearings whether the NICS background check system was constitutional.
“The majority of Americans—including the majority of American gun owners—support common sense gun laws, and background checks keeping guns out of the hands of criminals is simple common sense. We encourage Americans of all political backgrounds to let the Trump Administration know that the safety of our families and communities should be more important than letting the gun lobby enrich itself further by freely selling guns to people who shouldn’t have them.”
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About Colorado Ceasefire
Colorado Ceasefire has led the fight against gun violence in Colorado since 2000. Our Legislative Action branch, a 501(c)4, has fought the gun lobby, helped elect pro-gun-reform candidates, and worked to pass more than two dozen common-sense gun laws. Our Outreach branch, a 501(c)3, engages with Coloradans to promote gun safety and gun violence awareness. We are committed to making Coloradans safer where they live, work and play. Find out more and get involved at www.ColoradoCeasefire.org.
