FBI: Boulder Attack Suspect Planned Assault on Pro-Israel Demonstrators for Over a Year

Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, has been charged with hate crimes for a Molotov cocktail attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, where he injured eight people. Investigators reveal he meticulously planned the assault for a year, motivated by a desire to harm those he viewed as "Zionists."

The FBI has revealed that Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, planned his attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, for over a year. The Egyptian national is facing federal hate crime charges, alongside state charges of attempted murder, assault, and the use of an explosive device. The incident occurred during a demonstration advocating for Israeli hostages, where Soliman allegedly hurled Molotov cocktails into the crowd, injuring eight individuals and shouting "Free Palestine."

During a court appearance via video link from Boulder County Jail, Soliman only briefly responded to procedural questions. He is accused of going to the Pearl Street Mall, where the demonstration took place, with two incendiary devices and at least 16 additional unlit Molotov cocktails discovered in his vicinity afterward. The victims, aged between 52 and 88, included a Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Israel Wilhelm.

The attack coincided with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and was organized by Run for Their Lives to increase awareness regarding Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Reports indicate that Soliman, who allegedly dressed as a gardener to approach the crowd, had previously expressed his intent to "kill all Zionists," citing online research on constructing Molotov cocktails as part of his preparation.

After his arrest, Soliman confessed to have been planning this attack since before his daughter's high school graduation. He revealed to investigators that he was unable to acquire firearms due to his immigration status, which led him to use incendiary devices instead. Law enforcement mentioned that he moved to Colorado from Kuwait three years ago, having lived in the U.S. for about a year with an expired visa.

As the case unfolds, officials are closely scrutinizing Soliman's motives and past activities. The acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado has stated their commitment to holding him accountable for his actions. Moreover, amidst ongoing tensions related to the conflict in Gaza and rising antisemitic incidents in the U.S., Soliman's attack is viewed as part of a distressing pattern against Jewish communities.