Suspect Accused of Firebombing in Colorado Poses as Gardener, Meticulously Planned Assault for More Than a Year
In the heart of Colorado, a shocking incident unfolded in Boulder as a man, allegedly posing as a gardener, sought to harm a group demonstrating for Israeli hostages' release in Gaza. The man, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, intended to detonate Molotov cocktails among the approximately 20 demonstrators, but he only managed to throw two and ended up injuring 12, including himself[1].
Soliman had been planning the attack for over a year, eyewitnesses say, and targeted what he described as a "Zionist group." After his arrest, federal and state prosecutors charged him with a hate crime and attempted murder, respectively.
The violence happened at the popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall, adding to the ongoing global tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and escalating antisemitic violence in the US. The attack occurred near the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and just a week after a similar incident in Washington[2].
In the aftermath, victims aged 52 to 88 sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. Six were hospitalized, with four later being released[3]. During the incident, witnesses reported hearing the crash of a bottle breaking and a subsequent "boom" followed by panicked cries[1].
Witnesses also reported finding 16 unused Molotov cocktails, manufactured by Soliman using instructions he found on YouTube[3]. Soliman confessed to the attack, claiming to have been driven by a desire to harm all "Zionist people."
The suspect was hospitalized following the attack, but subsequently appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit. Authorities believe he acted alone, though the extent of his injuries is unknown[3]. Friends and neighbors described Soliman, a legal resident of Colorado Springs with a wife and children, as generally quiet and kind[4].
Investigations are ongoing, and further charges may be filed, including a potential grand jury indictment from the Federal Department of Justice[3]. A fascinating tale of violence, hate, and conflict, bound up within a single man's actions in the vibrant city of Boulder, Colorado.
Insights- Soliman entered the US in 2022 on a B2 visa, which expired in February 2023[4].- Spikes in antisemitic violence have been recorded in the US, with the disturbing trend linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict[2].
Soliman's court appearance, following his alleged attack on a political demonstration, highlighted the connection between the ongoing global tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and increasing crime-and-justice issues related to antisemitism in the US. The general-news story of his arrest revealed that he was charged with a hate crime and attempted murder, with more potential charges to be filed, potentially including a grand jury indictment from the Federal Department of Justice.
