Colorado Suspect Carried Out Planned Molotov Cocktail Attack at Pro-Israel Rally
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national residing in Colorado Springs, has been charged with throwing gasoline bombs at a pro-Israeli rally in Boulder, Colorado. The attack injured a dozen people and was reportedly planned over the course of a year. Due to his immigration status, Soliman was unable to legally obtain firearms and resorted to Molotov cocktails.
Background and Immigration Status
Soliman was born in Egypt, lived in Kuwait for 17 years, and moved to Colorado Springs three years ago with his wife and five children. Federal authorities have determined that he is in the United States illegally after overstaying a tourist visa and maintaining an expired work permit. He entered the country in August 2022 on a tourist visa and filed for asylum the following month, remaining after his visa expired in February 2023.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, a popular pedestrian area near the University of Colorado. Soliman threw two lit Molotov cocktails at a crowd attending a pro-Israel gathering organized to support hostages held after Hamas' 2023 attack on Israel. During the attack, he shouted "Free Palestine." Many victims were elderly, aged between 52 and 88.
Authorities discovered 16 gasoline-filled Molotov cocktails near the location where Soliman was arrested, along with a gasoline canister in his car and a gasoline-filled weed sprayer at the scene. A video circulating on social media showed Soliman shirtless, pacing with Molotov cocktails during the incident.
Legal Charges and Proceedings
Soliman faces several charges including attempted murder, assault, and a federal hate crime related to antisemitic violence. He could face life imprisonment under federal charges and up to 384 years in prison combined for state charges. During a court appearance via video from jail, Soliman responded minimally and was held on a $10 million cash bail.
His public defender has reserved bond arguments for a future hearing. Prosecutors emphasize the severity of the offenses given the premeditated nature and hate crime classification.
Official Responses and Context
Law enforcement officials described Soliman as having no prior contact with authorities before the attack and believed he acted alone. The incident has been labeled an antisemitic terror attack.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement highlighted the suspect's immigration violations amidst broader immigration enforcement discussions. Government officials argue the case demonstrates the need for stricter border controls and immigration policies.
Community Impact and Historical Context
Eight victims have been officially identified, including an 88-year-old Holocaust refugee. Two remained hospitalized as of the latest reports, while several others with minor injuries have since come forward.
Boulder, a university town with a previous tragic shooting incident in 2021, is grappling with this latest attack targeting Jewish Americans linked to rising tensions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Key Highlights
- Suspect planned the attack for a year, delaying it until after his daughter's graduation.
- Used Molotov cocktails due to ineligibility to purchase firearms.
- Attack injured a dozen individuals, many elderly.
- Authorities found 16 Molotov cocktails and additional incendiary devices at the scene.
- Soliman faces multiple serious charges, including federal hate crimes.
