Colorado Firebomb Attack: A Year in Planning and Motive
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, orchestrated a Molotov cocktail attack targeting a pro-Israeli rally in Boulder, Colorado, injuring multiple individuals. Prosecutors revealed that Soliman had meticulously planned the assault for over a year but postponed it to attend his daughter's high school graduation.
Background and Immigration Status
Soliman was born in Egypt and spent 17 years residing in Kuwait before relocating to Colorado Springs three years prior to the incident. He lived with his wife and five children. Authorities determined that Soliman entered the United States in August 2022 on a tourist visa and remained illegally after his visa and work permit expired in early 2023. His immigration status prevented him from legally purchasing firearms, which influenced his choice of attack method.
Details of the Attack
On a popular pedestrian area near the University of Colorado, known as Pearl Street Mall, Soliman executed the attack during a pro-Israeli gathering organized to honor hostages taken during a recent Hamas offensive. He hurled two lit Molotov cocktails into the crowd while shouting "Free Palestine." Eyewitnesses reported that many victims were elderly participants of the event.
Investigators recovered 16 additional gasoline-filled Molotov cocktails near the scene, along with a gasoline canister in Soliman's vehicle and a gasoline-filled weed sprayer at the location. Video footage shows the suspect shirtless and pacing while holding the incendiary devices.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Soliman faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault, and federal hate crimes related to antisemitic terror. The potential penalties include:
- A maximum life sentence on the federal hate crime charge
- Up to 384 years in prison for multiple counts of attempted murder under state law
During a court hearing, Soliman appeared via video feed and was initially denied bail with a cash bond set at $10 million. His public defender reserved bond arguments for a later date.
Law Enforcement and Government Responses
Federal and local authorities emphasized that Soliman had no prior law enforcement interactions indicating violent tendencies and likely acted alone. They highlighted the case as a concerning example of the intersection of illegal immigration and domestic terrorism.
U.S. officials commented on the ramifications for immigration policy, citing the attacker’s undocumented status as a reason for emphasizing border security and visa enforcement.
Community Impact and Previous Incidents
The attack underscores a continuing trend of violence targeting Jewish communities amid ongoing tensions linked to the Middle East conflict. Victims ranged in age from 52 to 88 years, including a Holocaust survivor.
Boulder has experienced previous acts of mass violence, notably a fatal shooting in 2021 resulting in 10 deaths. This latest event has further raised security concerns in the university city.
