Man Arrested After Firebomb Attack on Pro-Israel Protest in Colorado
Suspect says he planned the attack for one year, injures several people
A disturbing event has shocked residents in Boulder, Colorado, United States, as a man identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman was arrested for launching a violent firebomb attack on a group of pro-Israel demonstrators. According to authorities, Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, had been planning the attack for one year before finally carrying it out on Sunday.
The attack happened at the busy Pearl Street Mall, where members of the group “Run for Their Lives” were holding their weekly demonstration to raise awareness about Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
Eyewitnesses reported that Soliman, who disguised himself as a gardener by wearing an orange vest, calmly approached the group and suddenly shouted “Free Palestine!” before throwing two Molotov cocktails into the crowd.
The scene quickly turned chaotic as people tried to escape the flames and help those who were injured.
At least twelve people were injured, with victims suffering from burns and other injuries. Among those hurt was a well-known Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, who is also the Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder.
The victims, both men and women, ranged in age from 52 to 88 years old. They were rushed to the hospital, with some needing urgent treatment for serious burns, while others were treated for minor injuries.
Police and FBI agents who arrived at the scene found at least 16 unlit Molotov cocktails nearby. They also discovered a backpack sprayer filled with petrol, which Soliman apparently planned to use as a flamethrower.
Investigators later revealed that Soliman had been watching YouTube videos to learn how to make the firebombs.
He told police that
he initially wanted to use a gun for the attack but could not get one because of his immigration status, so he decided to use Molotov cocktails instead.
During questioning, Soliman confessed that he had targeted the group after finding them online and had been waiting for the right moment to strike. He said he chose to carry out the attack after his daughter’s high school graduation.
Soliman boldly told police that he wanted to “kill all Zionists” and would not hesitate to do it again if given the chance. He also left his phone at home with messages for his wife and five children before going to the protest.
After his arrest, Soliman appeared in court on Monday via a video link from Boulder County Jail. He wore an orange jumpsuit and stood quietly as the judge asked him some procedural questions.
When asked if he understood the charges against him, Soliman simply replied, “Yes.” He did not make any other statements or show any emotion during the brief hearing.
The judge scheduled another court date for the formal filing of charges.
According to the court documents, Soliman told investigators, “I planned this for a year. I waited until after my daughter’s graduation. I wanted to kill all Zionists. I would do it again.”
These words, which were read out in court, shocked many people in the courtroom and have been widely reported in the US media.
Soliman is now facing several serious charges, including a federal hate crime, attempted murder, assault, and using an explosive device.
If found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. Officials said there was no previous sign that Soliman was a threat.
He had moved to Colorado Springs three years ago after living in Kuwait for 17 years. He entered the US in 2022 on a temporary visa, which expired in February 2023. He later applied for asylum, but it is not clear what happened with that application.
He was working as a food delivery driver for Uber, and the company said he passed all their background checks.
The attack happened at the start of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and has left the Jewish community in Boulder and across the US in shock. Many in the community now say they fear for their safety, especially as this is not the first time such an incident has happened in America.
In recent months, there have been other attacks targeting Jews, including a shooting outside a Jewish museum in Washington DC and an arson attack on the home of a Jewish governor.
Reacting to the attack, US officials have promised to ensure that Soliman faces the full weight of the law.
The Acting US Attorney for Colorado, J Bishop Grewell, said, “We fully intend to hold Mr Soliman accountable for his actions, and these charges are the first step.”
Former President Donald Trump also commented, saying such attacks would not be tolerated and called for stricter border controls.http://man-arrested-after-firebomb-attack
The case has sparked fresh debate in America about immigration, hate crimes, and the safety of minority communities. For now, the Jewish community in Boulder is trying to recover from the trauma, while the authorities continue their investigation to make sure nothing like this happens again.
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