Mohamed Sabry Soliman appeared in Colorado court Monday following an attack on pro-Israel protesters gathering in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday … Soliman is accused of using Molotov cocktails and what the FBI describes as a “makeshift flamethrower.”
Soliman will be charged with 16 counts of attempted murder — two for each of the eight victims, according to the New York Times. Soliman has been charged with at least one federal hate crime … “hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin.” He was held on $10 million bond, and formal charges are expected Thursday.
Boulder Police said a crowd was attacked at a pro-Israel event called the “Run for Their Lives” walk at the city’s Pearl Street Mall Sunday afternoon … Molotov cocktails were hurled at people, injuring 8. Soliman was arrested shortly afterward.
Four people have been released from the hospital with minor injuries. Four others remained hospitalized, with at least one person in critical condition. The victims were all between the ages of 52 and 88.
CNN reports law enforcement sources say Soliman was wearing a utility vest and a shirt that caught fire during the Sunday attack … Soliman was allegedly carrying a “garden sprayer filled with gasoline” he pointed at victims while holding a lighter in front of its hose. Police found 16 additional Molotov cocktails in the area, the outlet reports.
According to the FBI, 45-year-old Soliman, who lives in El Paso County, Colorado, was reportedly shouting “Free Palestine” during the attack.
After his arrest, Soliman was hospitalized with minor injuries — then booked into Boulder County Jail later Sunday night.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said the department had not previously been in contact with the suspect before Sunday. The department released his mug shot Monday morning.
Soliman, an Egyptian citizen, overstayed his visa, which expired in February 2023, according to a tweet from Assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin.
FBI Director Kash Patel is calling this a “targeted terror attack” — and U.S. Dept. of Justice Antisemitism Task Force Chief Leo Terrell, says it’s part of a surge in violence against Jews.
