Defendant linked to Colorado 'homemade flamethrower' incident scheduled for court appearance
Boulder, CO - Alleged Attacker in Jewish Protest Incident Faces Court
In Boulder on Monday, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the man believed to be responsible for a fiery attack on a Jewish protest, is expected to appear in court. Soliman is charged with launching Molotov cocktails and dousing burning gasoline at a pro-Israel rally last Sunday.
Eight individuals, encompassing four men and four women, sustained injuries, with the oldest reportedly being an 88-year-old protester. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Mark Michalek affirmed that Soliman deployed a makeshift flamethrower and shouted, "Free Palestine." Consequently, hate crime allegations were leveled against him by US media.
Homeland Security officials confirmed that Soliman, originally from Egypt, had been in the U.S. illegally, having overstayed a tourist visa. He applied for asylum in September 2022, yet his request remains under evaluation.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, criticizing the Biden Administration, said the incident highlighted the dangers of the latter's "lax border policies." Defining the attack as a "horrific tragedy," Trump pinned the blame on these "open borders" for permitting Soliman entry into the country.
The violent incident occurred during a regular demonstration supporting hostages held by the Hamas armed group in Israel on October 7, 2023. A viral video, purportedly showing the attack, depicts a shirtless manoping bottles and pacing as the grass beneath him burns. He's heard screaming "Down with Zionists!" and "They are murderers!" towards individuals in red T-shirts. Scenes of swirling black smoke and a police officer apprehending the same man followed.
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn reported that at least one victim was in critical condition, while the suspect suffered injuries prior to detention. Alexis Cendon, a local resident, felt "extremely frightened" after hearing about the incident near his work.
The attack happened during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and coincides with the October 22, 2023, fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in Washington. A 31-year-old suspect, shouting "Free Palestine," was arrested on the scene.
Israel's top diplomat, Gideon Saar, denounced the attack as a "despicable anti-Semitic terror attack against Jews in Boulder," while Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon voiced outrage, stating, "Terrorism against Jews does not stop at the Gaza border; it is already lighting up the streets of America."
In the realm of general-news, the court appearance of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who allegedly initiated a violent attack on a Jewish protest, is imminent amidst growing concerns surrounding crime-and-justice. The incident, which left eight individuals injured, has sparked debate about politics, as some audience members believe it underscores the potential dangers of lax border policies.
