According to court documents, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 28-year-old man who arrived in the United States on a visa granted during the Biden administration, was accused of planning a terrorist attack on a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado. The documents revealed that Soliman had spent a year preparing for the attack, which included researching how to build incendiary weapons on YouTube, gathering ingredients over time, and transporting homemade Molotov cocktails to the event. The attack took place on June 1 at around 2 p.m. MST when Soliman, who was allegedly waiting for his daughter’s graduation, launched two lit devices into the crowd. The FBI characterized the incident as a targeted terror attack, which resulted in twelve injuries, including one person in critical condition. None of the victims have succumbed to their injuries.
Soliman, who was arrested shortly after the attack, reportedly told investigators that he had waited for a specific event to occur before carrying out the attack. He told authorities that he discovered the pro-Israel group ‘Run For Their Lives,’ which was organizing weekly walks to raise awareness about the Israeli hostages, through social media. He then proceeded with his plan, allegedly yelling ‘Free Palestine!’ before hurling the Molotov cocktails into the crowd.
Following the incident, law enforcement recovered a total of 14 unlit Molotov cocktails, along with gasoline, red rags, and a weed sprayer, which may have been intended for dispersing the flammable liquid. In addition, authorities found papers bearing the words ‘Israel,’ ‘Palestine,’ and ‘USAID’ inside Soliman’s vehicle. A video later posted on X appeared to show the suspect shirtless and pacing, holding one of the makeshift weapons and shouting, ‘How many children killed?’ followed by ‘End Zionist.’ His wife turned over his iPhone to authorities, where messages to his family were found. A storage unit behind the residence, linked to Soliman by a neighbor, was also investigated.
As per the federal complaint, Soliman is charged with violating 18 U.S.C. §§ 249(a)(1) and (a)(2), which are hate crime statutes involving acts motivated by race, religion, or national origin. The FBI confirmed that the suspect is an Egyptian man who entered the United States illegally. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with US politicians and Jewish groups denouncing the attack as a vile antisemitic act and a targeted terror attack. Legal proceedings are ongoing as authorities continue to investigate the case and gather more information on the suspect’s motivations and potential accomplices.
The FBI is currently investigating the incident and has stated that the attack was a targeted terror act. The incident has prompted a nationwide discussion about domestic terrorism and the potential threats that exist within the country. The FBI has issued a warning to the public, urging individuals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The case also highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism and the need for stronger measures to prevent future attacks.