Suspect in Molotov Cocktail Attack to Appear in Federal Court
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is set to appear in federal court to face hate crime charges following a Molotov cocktail attack on a weekly demonstration in Boulder, Colorado. The incident occurred on Sunday during a protest highlighting Israeli captives, prompting a swift investigation revealing the attack had been planned for over a year.
Details of the Attack
Authorities report that Soliman, who unlawfully resides in the United States, carried 18 Molotov cocktails to the event but only threw two while shouting "Free Palestine". Investigators say Soliman told law enforcement that his intent was to "kill all Zionist people" present at the protest, which included approximately 20 participants on Pearl Street pedestrian mall.
He admitted attempting to purchase a firearm but was unable to do so due to his undocumented status. Officials indicate that Soliman halted his full plan because he became scared and had never harmed anyone before.
Charges and Victims
Besides federal hate crime charges, Soliman faces state charges including attempted murder and assault related to the incident. Law enforcement describe 15 people and a dog as victims, some injured and others impacted by the event’s dangerous environment. The dog’s injuries led to an animal cruelty charge against Soliman.
Currently, three victims remain hospitalized. A spokesperson for the University of Colorado Hospital confirmed ongoing treatment as of Friday.
Family and Immigration Proceedings
Soliman revealed to investigators that he timed the attack after his daughter’s school graduation. Meanwhile, federal immigration authorities have detained his wife and their five children, ages 4 to 17, at a family detention center in Texas.
Officials intended to deport Soliman’s family, but a judge has temporarily halted these proceedings pending review of a legal challenge. Soliman is represented by public defenders in both federal and state courts. These representatives have declined to comment on the case.
Summary
- Mohamed Sabry Soliman planned and carried out a Molotov cocktail attack on a Boulder protest.
- The attack targeted a weekly event supporting Israeli captives and was motivated by anti-Zionist beliefs.
- 18 Molotov cocktails were in Soliman's possession, two were thrown.
- The attack injured 15 people and one dog; three victims remain hospitalized.
- Soliman faces multiple state and federal charges including a hate crime and attempted murder.
- His wife and five children have been detained pending deportation proceedings, currently paused by court order.
