Overview of the Attack in Boulder, Colorado
A federal hate crime charge has been filed against a man accused of attacking pro-Israeli demonstrators using a homemade flamethrower and firebombs in Boulder, Colorado. The incident left 12 individuals injured during a peaceful rally advocating for Israeli hostages.
Details of the Incident
On a Sunday afternoon at the Pearl Street Mall near the University of Colorado, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, allegedly assaulted a group raising awareness for Israeli hostages in Gaza. Witnesses reported Soliman shouting slogans supporting Palestine while launching incendiary devices toward the crowd.
Authorities confirmed that Soliman had planned the attack for approximately one year, specifically targeting what he described as a "Zionist group." Emergency responders received calls around 1:26 pm concerning a man wielding a weapon and victims on fire near the downtown courthouse.
Victims and Injuries
- 12 people sustained injuries: Eight were hospitalized, including four men and four women ranging in age from 52 to 88.
- Injuries varied from minor to severe, with one victim identified as a Holocaust survivor.
- Four additional individuals suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital admission.
Legal Actions and Charges
Soliman currently faces multiple criminal charges including:
- Federal hate crime
- 16 counts of attempted murder
If convicted on all counts, he could face life imprisonment with combined sentences exceeding 600 years.
Investigation and Background
Law enforcement officials discovered at least 16 unused Molotov cocktails at the scene. Soliman reportedly resorted to firebombs after failing to acquire a firearm.
There is currently no evidence connecting the attacker to any organized group. It has been confirmed that Soliman is an Egyptian national residing in the United States without legal authorization.
Eyewitness Accounts
Brooke Coffman, a 19-year-old student at the University of Colorado, witnessed the event and described seeing several women with burn injuries. She recalled one woman severely burned and wrapped in a flag. Coffman also saw the assailant holding a bottle containing a clear liquid while shouting slogans.
Eyewitnesses immediately called for assistance, urging bystanders to obtain water to help those suffering burns.
Context of the Rally
The victims were participating in a peaceful demonstration organized by "Run for Their Lives," a group dedicated to raising public awareness about hostages taken by Hamas in Gaza in 2023.
