A Colorado-based construction law attorney has become the target of death threats after being mistakenly identified as the lawyer representing the family of Mohamed Soliman, the suspect in the Boulder terror attack. The attorney, Eric Lee, who works with the Decker & Murphy law firm, has no connection to the case but has been harassed due to the similarity in his name with the Michigan attorney representing Soliman’s wife and children in immigration proceedings.
The Boulder Terror Attack and Its Aftermath
Mohamed Soliman, an Egyptian national, is facing 118 state charges, including 28 counts of attempted murder, after he allegedly attacked a peaceful walk organized to raise awareness for Israeli hostages in Gaza. The attack, which took place in Boulder, involved Molotov cocktails, injuring 15 people and one dog. Soliman is also charged with a federal hate crime. After the attack, Soliman’s wife and children were detained by ICE and placed in an immigration detention center in Texas.
Soliman’s family has been under scrutiny due to their connection to the attack, even though they have been cooperative with authorities. His wife took Soliman’s phone to the Colorado Springs Police Department, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the family was being processed for expedited removal, though a federal judge blocked this decision. Despite the family’s cooperation, anger directed towards them has led to a rise in threats against their legal representation.
Attorney Eric Lee Faces Harassment and Threats
Michigan-based attorney Eric Lee, who is representing Soliman’s wife and children, has received numerous threats due to his involvement in the immigration case. One such threat was a voicemail left by an individual claiming to be a former Colorado police officer. The threatening message suggested that Lee should be set on fire, calling him a “scumbag” and accusing him of being “anti-American” for representing a terrorist family.
Lee, who is handling the case pro bono, condemned the threats, stating that such violence and hatred are fueled by an atmosphere of dehumanization towards immigrants. He criticized the current political climate, blaming the rhetoric from political leaders for fostering this atmosphere of violence. Despite the harassment, Lee remains committed to his work, asserting that his legal team will not be intimidated by the threats.
The Wrong Man in the Crosshairs
Adding to the confusion, Colorado attorney Eric Lee, who specializes in construction law and has no involvement in the immigration case, has been mistakenly identified as the immigration attorney representing Soliman’s family. Due to the name similarity, Lee has also been bombarded with death threats, with individuals confusing him for the Michigan-based lawyer. His law firm, Decker & Murphy, confirmed the threats and the confusion surrounding the case.
Despite these threats, neither Eric Lee from Colorado nor his Michigan counterpart has reported the harassment to federal authorities, as per CBS Colorado’s inquiry. However, the rise in threats to attorneys, judges, and other public servants highlights growing concerns about safety in public service roles.
Rising Threats to Public Officials and Legal Professionals
This case is part of a broader trend of increasing threats directed at public officials, attorneys, and law enforcement officers. In February 2024, the American Bar Association published an article addressing the rise in threats against judges, civil servants, and other public officials. Threats against federal judges alone have increased every year since 2019, highlighting the growing concern for safety within these professions.
Earlier cases have seen individuals sentenced to prison for making violent threats. A Colorado man received a three-year sentence for threatening election officials, while a New York man was sentenced to 13 months for making threats to congressional offices. This trend of escalating violence and threats serves as a reminder of the volatile environment many public service workers face today.
The mistaken identity of Eric Lee, a Colorado-based attorney, highlights the dangerous consequences of growing political and social polarization. Both he and his Michigan counterpart have become targets of threats and harassment due to their professional roles, despite their efforts to uphold the law and ensure fair legal representation. As tensions continue to rise, it’s important to recognize the risks faced by public servants and legal professionals and the need for greater protection against such violent rhetoric.