By BlogHear News Desk | June 3, 2025
Boulder, Colorado – A man accused of launching Molotov cocktails at a peaceful demonstration in Boulder over the weekend had allegedly planned the attack for more than a year, according to federal investigators.
Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, an Egyptian national, faces a federal hate crime charge in addition to state-level charges of attempted murder, assault, and use of an explosive device. Authorities say Soliman targeted a group of pro-Israel demonstrators at Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, injuring at least eight people. The incident occurred during a weekly event organized by “Run for Their Lives,” a group advocating for the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
Officials confirmed that Soliman yelled “Free Palestine” as he threw two incendiary devices into the crowd. In total, twelve individuals — including four men and four women aged 52 to 88 — were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from minor to serious. One of the victims, officials said, is a Holocaust survivor.
Attack Planned Around Daughter’s Graduation
In court documents, FBI agents stated that Soliman told investigators he had been planning the assault for a year, timing it to take place shortly after his daughter’s high school graduation. He expressed strong anti-Zionist views and admitted that he would carry out the attack again if given the chance.
Soliman allegedly used YouTube tutorials to learn how to make Molotov cocktails and concealed a gasoline-filled weed sprayer in a backpack. He wore an orange vest to disguise himself as a gardener and get closer to the crowd. Authorities recovered at least 16 unlit Molotov cocktails nearby following the incident.
Immigration and Background
Soliman entered the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa in 2022, which expired in February 2023. He later filed for asylum. Officials have not disclosed the current status of that application. He moved to Colorado Springs three years ago after previously residing in Kuwait for 17 years.
Uber confirmed that Soliman had been working as a delivery driver since 2023, passing required background and ID checks at the time of onboarding.
Legal Proceedings and Political Reactions
Soliman made a brief court appearance via video on Monday from the Boulder County Jail. A formal filing of charges is scheduled for Thursday. Officials say he acted alone and there is no evidence of wider coordination.
The attack has triggered national political responses, with former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for stricter immigration enforcement against those who overstay visas or have extremist sympathies.
“This is yet another example of why we must keep our Borders SECURE, and deport Illegal, Anti-American Radicals from our Homeland,” Trump wrote on social media.
A Pattern of Anti-Jewish Violence
The incident adds to a growing number of attacks on Jewish communities in the United States during the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. In recent months, an arson attempt targeted Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence, and two aides at the Israeli embassy were killed near Washington, D.C.
The Israel-Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly cross-border assault that left around 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, more than 54,000 people have died in the region since Israel’s military response began.
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