An Egyptian Man Attacks Jewish Demonstrators with Molotov Cocktails in the USA
Premeditated Assault on U.S. Jewish Protest Gathering
In a shocking incident, a 45-year-old man identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, attacked a pro-Israel demonstration at Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado. Soliman, disguised as a gardener, used a makeshift flamethrower and threw Molotov cocktails, injuring 12 people. The attack was part of a weekly march to raise awareness about Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The Meticulous Planning Behind the Attack
Soliman had planned to kill all approximately 20 participants in the demonstration by using 18 Molotov cocktails. However, he only threw two during the attack, reportedly because he "got scared" and had never hurt anyone before. The FBI described the incident as a "targeted act of violence" and is investigating it as an act of terrorism.
The Motivation for the Attack
During the attack, Soliman expressed a desire "to kill all Zionist people" and yelled "Free Palestine" as he threw the incendiary devices. His motivation aligns with the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a source of tension and violence in the region for decades.
Legal Consequences
Soliman is facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and a federal hate crimes charge. He is being held on a $10 million bond. Additionally, Soliman's family, including his wife and five children, have been detained by U.S. immigration authorities and are facing potential deportation due to Soliman's illegal immigration status in the U.S. Soliman entered the U.S. on a B2 visa in August 2022, which expired in February 2023. He had applied for asylum but was residing in the country illegally at the time of the attack.
Immigration Issues Surface
Soliman's immigration status has become a significant part of the legal discussion surrounding his case. His visa expired in February 2023, and although he was granted a work permit, it expired on March 28, after which he was in the U.S. illegally. The detention of his family members and the potential for their deportation highlights the strict immigration enforcement actions being taken in response to the situation.
- Israel
- Antisemitism
- Anti-Israel Sentiment
- Protests
- USA
- Immigration
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the immigration issues surfacing in light of the attack, given its relevance to general-news and politics. The assault on the Jewish demonstrators, motivated by anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism, falls under the crime-and-justice category, raising concerns about the level of political discourse and public safety in the USA.
