Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, is charged with multiple offenses after allegedly attacking pro-Israel demonstrators with incendiary devices in Boulder, Colorado. The FBI disclosed he planned the assault for over a year while expressing intentions to harm "Zionists". The incident, impacting several individuals, underscores rising antisemitic tensions amid ongoing conflicts.
Authorities have revealed that a Colorado man accused of bombarding pro-Israel demonstrators with Molotov cocktails had planned his attack for over a year. Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, faces federal hate crime and state charges, including attempted murder. During a brief video court appearance, he was informed of his charges after a violent incident that injured eight protesters at an outdoor mall in Boulder.
On the day of the incident, which coincided with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, Soliman targeted the demonstrators who were rallying for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Witnesses reported that he shouted "Free Palestine" while throwing the incendiary devices. Investigators recovered 16 unlit Molotov cocktails and a gasoline sprayer at the scene.
The victims varied in age, notably including Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, a Holocaust survivor, with injuries ranging from minor to serious, leading to multiple hospitalizations. Four additional victims emerged post-incident, escalating the total to eight.
FBI affidavits revealed that Soliman prepared for the attack after watching videos on how to construct Molotov cocktails. He expressed to authorities a desire to “kill all Zionists” and admitted that he would attempt to commit the same act again. The suspect reportedly disguised himself as a gardener to blend into the crowd, arriving shortly before the protest began.
Court documents also disclose a troubling personal background, as Soliman had maintained a hidden iPhone with messages intended for his family, indicating premeditation. Despite a lack of prior threats, U.S. officials are now emphasizing the necessity of accountability for such violent actions against the Jewish community, which has faced an alarming rate of similar aggressions, especially amidst the current Israel-Gaza conflict.
Soliman's immigration status has raised questions following his overstayed visa and recent asylum filing. His professional history includes working as an Uber delivery driver, reportedly meeting all necessary background checks upon hire. Political responses highlight calls for stricter immigration policies and a scrutiny of how individuals with questionable motives could evade detection.
As the community wrestles with this incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the violent fallout stemming from global conflicts and the acute rise in antisemitism in the United States.
Authorities have revealed that a Colorado man accused of bombarding pro-Israel demonstrators with Molotov cocktails had planned his attack for over a year. Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, faces federal hate crime and state charges, including attempted murder. During a brief video court appearance, he was informed of his charges after a violent incident that injured eight protesters at an outdoor mall in Boulder.
On the day of the incident, which coincided with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, Soliman targeted the demonstrators who were rallying for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Witnesses reported that he shouted "Free Palestine" while throwing the incendiary devices. Investigators recovered 16 unlit Molotov cocktails and a gasoline sprayer at the scene.
The victims varied in age, notably including Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, a Holocaust survivor, with injuries ranging from minor to serious, leading to multiple hospitalizations. Four additional victims emerged post-incident, escalating the total to eight.
FBI affidavits revealed that Soliman prepared for the attack after watching videos on how to construct Molotov cocktails. He expressed to authorities a desire to “kill all Zionists” and admitted that he would attempt to commit the same act again. The suspect reportedly disguised himself as a gardener to blend into the crowd, arriving shortly before the protest began.
Court documents also disclose a troubling personal background, as Soliman had maintained a hidden iPhone with messages intended for his family, indicating premeditation. Despite a lack of prior threats, U.S. officials are now emphasizing the necessity of accountability for such violent actions against the Jewish community, which has faced an alarming rate of similar aggressions, especially amidst the current Israel-Gaza conflict.
Soliman's immigration status has raised questions following his overstayed visa and recent asylum filing. His professional history includes working as an Uber delivery driver, reportedly meeting all necessary background checks upon hire. Political responses highlight calls for stricter immigration policies and a scrutiny of how individuals with questionable motives could evade detection.
As the community wrestles with this incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the violent fallout stemming from global conflicts and the acute rise in antisemitism in the United States.
