A Colorado man is facing multiple charges for allegedly launching a premeditated attack against pro-Israel protesters, resulting in injuries to eight individuals. The 45-year-old suspect indicated his plans had spanned over a year, illustrating a concerning trend of escalating antisemitism amid ongoing conflicts.
Year-Long Plot Unfolds as Colorado Man Charged in Vicious Attack on Pro-Israel Protesters
Year-Long Plot Unfolds as Colorado Man Charged in Vicious Attack on Pro-Israel Protesters
The FBI reveals that Mohammed Sabry Soliman meticulously planned an incendiary assault targeting demonstrators in Boulder, showcasing a troubling rise in antisemitic violence.
A man accused of launching a vicious attack with Molotov cocktails during a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly contemplated the act for over a year, according to the FBI. Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, faces severe charges including a federal hate crime, attempted murder, and assault, stemming from his actions at an outdoor mall event on Sunday.
Soliman, an Egyptian national, reportedly targeted a crowd of demonstrators advocating for Israeli hostages while shouting "Free Palestine" as he hurled incendiary devices, resulting in injuries to eight individuals. Following the incident, authorities discovered at least 16 unlit Molotov cocktails in the vicinity.
The demonstration was organized by Run for Their Lives, a group raising awareness about hostages in Gaza. Eight victims suffered burns, with four additional attendees presenting themselves with minor injuries after the event. Among those harmed was Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, a Holocaust survivor and Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder. Notably, the attack occurred coincidentally at the start of the Jewish holiday, Shavuot.
In a brief court appearance, conducted via video feed from the Boulder County Jail, Soliman confirmed procedural inquiries but refrained from further speaking. He is expected to face formal charges later this week. Investigators have expressed their belief that he acted independently.
Upon his arrest, Soliman confessed to police that he had been planning the attack for a year, intending it to coincide with his daughter's high school graduation. According to the arrest affidavit, he had a stated desire to "kill all Zionists" and proclaimed he would execute the same attack again.
Authorities found a backpack sprayer filled with octane gasoline, indicating his preparation level. Dressed as a gardener in an effort to blend in with the protest, Soliman drove from Colorado Springs to Boulder just minutes before the demonstration commenced.
Expressing resentment towards what he perceived as Zionist domination over Palestinian territories, Soliman cited watching videos online to learn how to create Molotov cocktails. His immigration status restricted his access to firearms, contributing to his choice of weaponry.
Soliman’s recent history reveals he relocated to Colorado Springs three years prior, having lived in Kuwait for 17 years before arriving in the United States on an expired non-immigrant visa. While he filed for asylum shortly after arriving in California, the outcomes of his immigration proceedings remain unclear.
Officials emphasized their commitment to holding Soliman accountable for his actions, with the Acting US Attorney for Colorado stating that the charges are just the initial step in the legal process. In a broader context, the assault reflects a troubling wave of violence targeting the Jewish community in the U.S., intensifying in light of recent Israel-Gaza conflicts.
Prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump, voiced their condemnation of the incident, linking it to heightened security concerns surrounding immigration and anti-American sentiments. The Jewish community has faced a series of attacks in recent weeks, highlighting an alarming trend that warrants significant attention.
