Colorado Man Charged with Hate Crime Following Molotov Cocktail Attack on Pro-Israel Demonstration
The suspect, who reportedly planned the attack for over a year, faces federal charges amid rising global tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
BOULDER, Colorado: Authorities have unsealed court documents revealing that Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, is charged with a federal hate crime for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at a gathering in Boulder aimed at raising awareness for Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Soliman reportedly yelled 'Free Palestine' during the attack, which occurred as the demonstration was concluding.
Eight individuals were injured in the incident, which unfolded at the popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall.
The injuries ranged from serious to minor, with six victims requiring hospitalization, though four have since been released.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes, including one individual whose clothing caught fire.
After being arrested, Soliman confessed to authorities that he had planned the attack for over a year, stating his desire 'to kill all Zionist people.' The attack coincided with the onset of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, and follows a broader trend of escalating antisemitic incidents in the U.S. amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Video evidence captured from the scene shows Soliman throwing Molotov cocktails while armed, leading to immediate police intervention.
Eyewitness Alex Osante reported hearing a bottle crash and a subsequent explosion followed by people screaming for help.
Following the incident, law enforcement discovered more than a dozen unlit Molotov cocktails, which consisted of glass bottles filled with a flammable liquid.
In Soliman's vehicle, authorities found papers with references to 'Israel,' 'Palestine,' and 'USAID.'
Soliman stated he had been researching how to construct the incendiary devices online and had awaited the appropriate moment to execute the attack until after his daughter graduated.
After the confrontation, he sustained injuries and was also taken to a local hospital.
Officials confirmed that Soliman had been living in the United States illegally since entering on a B2 visa, which expired earlier this year.
He had filed for asylum in September 2022 and was issued work authorization, which has also since expired.
Public records indicate he resided in Colorado Springs, where neighbors described him as a seemingly friendly family man with five children.
The attack is set against a backdrop of significant violence in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen a high civilian toll.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has reportedly killed over 54,000 people in Gaza, predominantly women and children, according to the local health ministry.
Authorities believe Soliman acted alone in this incident, and an investigation is ongoing.
State and federal officials are set to hold a news conference to provide further details on the case.
Soliman reportedly yelled 'Free Palestine' during the attack, which occurred as the demonstration was concluding.
Eight individuals were injured in the incident, which unfolded at the popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall.
The injuries ranged from serious to minor, with six victims requiring hospitalization, though four have since been released.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes, including one individual whose clothing caught fire.
After being arrested, Soliman confessed to authorities that he had planned the attack for over a year, stating his desire 'to kill all Zionist people.' The attack coincided with the onset of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, and follows a broader trend of escalating antisemitic incidents in the U.S. amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Video evidence captured from the scene shows Soliman throwing Molotov cocktails while armed, leading to immediate police intervention.
Eyewitness Alex Osante reported hearing a bottle crash and a subsequent explosion followed by people screaming for help.
Following the incident, law enforcement discovered more than a dozen unlit Molotov cocktails, which consisted of glass bottles filled with a flammable liquid.
In Soliman's vehicle, authorities found papers with references to 'Israel,' 'Palestine,' and 'USAID.'
Soliman stated he had been researching how to construct the incendiary devices online and had awaited the appropriate moment to execute the attack until after his daughter graduated.
After the confrontation, he sustained injuries and was also taken to a local hospital.
Officials confirmed that Soliman had been living in the United States illegally since entering on a B2 visa, which expired earlier this year.
He had filed for asylum in September 2022 and was issued work authorization, which has also since expired.
Public records indicate he resided in Colorado Springs, where neighbors described him as a seemingly friendly family man with five children.
The attack is set against a backdrop of significant violence in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen a high civilian toll.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has reportedly killed over 54,000 people in Gaza, predominantly women and children, according to the local health ministry.
Authorities believe Soliman acted alone in this incident, and an investigation is ongoing.
State and federal officials are set to hold a news conference to provide further details on the case.
