Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at demonstrators after planning the attack for a year, injuring eight individuals. He has been charged with multiple counts, including attempted murder.**
Colorado Man Charged with Hate Crime in Molotov Cocktail Attack**
Colorado Man Charged with Hate Crime in Molotov Cocktail Attack**
A federal hate crime charge has been filed against a man who planned an incendiary attack on pro-Israel protesters in Boulder, Colorado.**
A man from Colorado has been charged with a federal hate crime following an attack on pro-Israel demonstrators during a march aimed at raising awareness for Israeli hostages. The suspect, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, allegedly threw two incendiary devices into the crowd in Boulder, injuring eight people in the process. FBI investigators revealed that Soliman had been plotting the incident for an entire year.
During a brief court appearance held via video feed from Boulder County Jail, Soliman stood in an orange prison jumpsuit and answered procedural questions from the judge. Officials indicate that he specifically targeted the protesters after locating them online and was motivated by extremist sentiments. The violence occurred at Pearl Street Mall, coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
Following the attack, investigators discovered at least 16 unlit Molotov cocktails nearby, indicating a premeditated effort to cause harm. Among the victims was a Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, who underscored the gravity of hate crimes against the Jewish community during an interview.
Authorities said Soliman operated alone, and an affidavit revealed statements he made to police about his intention to "kill all Zionists," claiming it was a fight against perceived oppression in Palestinian territories. He disguised himself as a gardener to move close to the protesters.
Authorities discovered that Soliman, a food delivery driver for Uber, had overstayed his non-immigrant visa and was seeking asylum. Despite his immigration infractions, he had passed background checks before working with Uber. Law enforcement expressed surprise at the lack of previous indicators pointing to Soliman as a potential threat.
Amid calls for accountability, the acting US Attorney for the District of Colorado affirmed their commitment to pursuing justice in this case. The incident follows a troubling trend of violence against Jewish individuals in the US, particularly during ongoing tensions linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
