Overview of the Boulder Molotov Cocktail Attack
A 45-year-old man, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, disguised as a gardener, executed a Molotov cocktail attack on a group in Boulder, Colorado, holding a demonstration for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. The attack left 12 people injured. Soliman confessed to planning the assault for over a year, targeting what he described as a "Zionist group."
Details of the Incident
The attack occurred during a weekly protest in downtown Boulder where approximately 20 people had gathered. Soliman threw two incendiary devices and yelled "Free Palestine" before accidentally burning himself. He carried additional Molotov cocktails and flammable liquids but refrained from further violence out of fear and inexperience with causing harm.
- Number of Molotov cocktails: 18 (2 thrown, 16 recovered unused)
- Number of victims injured: 12
- Age range of victims: 52 to 88 years old
- Number hospitalized: 6 (4 released subsequently)
Suspect’s Background and Motive
Soliman, originally from Egypt, had resided in Colorado Springs with his family for the past three years. He entered the U.S. illegally on a B2 visa in August 2022, which expired in February 2023, and had applied for asylum the following month, receiving temporary work authorization that later lapsed.
He expressed extremist motives driven by hostility toward Zionist individuals, confirming a deliberate plan to inflict harm and stating no regrets about the attack.
Preparation and Attempted Execution
- Disguised as a gardener with an orange vest to approach the protest group closely.
- Constructed Molotov cocktails using research and purchased components.
- Attempted to acquire a firearm but was denied due to his immigration status.
- Went through a concealed carry class in preparation.
Investigators noted that Soliman planned to carry out the attack after his daughter’s graduation, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Law enforcement arrested Soliman without resistance after the attack. He is charged both federally and at the state level with hate crimes, attempted murder, and offenses related to possession and use of incendiary devices. Prosecutors are pursuing a grand jury indictment to add more charges.
Soliman is currently held in Boulder County Jail on a $10 million cash-only bond, with upcoming court hearings scheduled.
Context and Wider Implications
The attack occurred amid heightened tensions related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has led to a surge in antisemitic incidents across the U.S. The demonstration targeted by Soliman was advocating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and coincided with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
This incident follows a recent attack where two Israeli embassy staff were fatally shot in Washington by an assailant also shouting "Free Palestine."
Community Impact and Witness Accounts
The victims suffered burns and injuries ranging from minor to serious. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes with Molotov cocktails thrown, victims on fire, and bystanders rushing to extinguish flames. The suspect was seen pacing shirtless, displaying burn injuries, and engaging with onlookers before police took him into custody.
Neighbors portrayed Soliman as a family man but noted occasional loud disputes at his residence. Law enforcement conducted a standoff at his home the day following the attack with no occupants answering.
Summary
The Boulder Molotov cocktail attack reveals the dangers posed by extremist violence driven by geopolitical conflicts. Authorities continue active investigation and prosecution efforts as the community seeks healing.
