An Egyptian national, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, has been charged with attempted murder and a federal hate crime after hurling Molotov cocktails at a pro-Israel protest in Boulder, Colorado, injuring twelve individuals.
Molotov Attack at Peaceful Vigil
The incident occurred on Sunday at Pearl Street Mall, a busy area near the University of Colorado, during a demonstration organized by the group “Run For Their Lives” calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Soliman, disguised as a gardener in an orange vest, waited until the event’s conclusion before throwing two lit Molotov cocktails into the crowd, reportedly shouting “Free Palestine.”
The attack caused burns and injuries to several people, including elderly attendees. One of the victims was a Holocaust survivor, said Rabbi Yisroel Wilhelm of the University of Colorado’s Chabad. Witness Alex Osante, who was nearby, said he heard glass breaking and a “boom” followed by screams. He recorded footage showing people extinguishing flames on a woman who caught fire.
Suspect Carried 18 Firebombs
According to police affidavits, Soliman had brought 18 incendiary devices but used only two. Bodycam and social media footage showed him shirtless with a burnt arm and carrying more firebombs. Officials found 16 unused Molotov cocktails at the scene. These were made with gasoline-filled bottles and wine carafes, using red rags as fuses. A gas canister was also discovered in his car.
Investigators say Soliman built the devices using YouTube tutorials. He carried a gasoline-filled weed sprayer, intending to die in the act, and admitted spraying himself with it. One Molotov cocktail reportedly exploded prematurely, injuring him.
A Year in the Making
Court documents reveal that Soliman had been plotting the attack for over a year and deliberately delayed it until after his daughter’s high school graduation. He reportedly told authorities: “He wanted them all to die, he had no regrets and he would go back and do it again,” as stated by Acting US Attorney J Bishop Grewell.
Although Soliman had tried to buy a firearm, his undocumented status prevented the purchase. He told investigators he chose firebombs due to legal limitations and stated he had “never hurt anyone before.”
Victims Range from 52 to 88 Years Old
Six people were hospitalized, with four released later. More individuals reported injuries the following day, bringing the total to twelve.
Illegal Immigration Status Revealed
Soliman entered the US on a B2 tourist visa in August 2022 and later applied for asylum. Though he received a work permit in 2023, it had expired. Federal officials confirmed he overstayed his visa and was living illegally in Colorado Springs with his wife and five children.
Neighbors gave mixed descriptions of Soliman. One described the family as friendly, while another cited frequent yelling and even called police once due to loud disturbances.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Soliman appeared in court via video from Boulder County Jail, wearing an orange jumpsuit. He is held on a $10 million cash-only bond. His public defender, Kathryn Herold, declined to comment but noted that bond-related arguments will be presented later this week.
He faces federal hate crime charges, along with state charges of attempted murder and weapons offenses. If convicted federally, he could be sentenced to life imprisonment. The state charges could add up to 384 years, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said.
Authorities believe Soliman acted alone and had no known affiliations or prior criminal record.
Heightened Tensions and Political Reactions
The attack comes amid rising anti-Semitic incidents in the US during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and occurred during Shavuot, a major Jewish holiday. Days earlier, two Israeli Embassy staff were killed outside a Jewish museum in Washington.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the Boulder attack as an “antisemitic terror attack.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “In light of yesterday’s horrific attack, all terrorists, their family members, and terrorist sympathisers here on a visa should know that under the Trump administration we will find you, revoke your visa, and deport you.”
President Donald Trump posted on social media, “Yet another example of why we must keep our Borders SECURE, and deport Illegal, Anti-American Radicals from our Homeland.”
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons remarked that Soliman’s case reflects broader concerns: “millions of individuals like this that we are attempting to locate from the past administration that weren’t properly screened.”
The Biden-era ICE policy previously limited arrests to serious criminals but has now shifted to include visa overstays and asylum fraud.
Community Responds with Resolve
Boulder, still mourning the 2021 mass shooting that killed ten people, has stepped up security around synagogues and community centers. Organizers of “Run For Their Lives” have pledged to continue their weekly vigils despite the violent attack.
