In Boulder, Colorado, an incident on the Pearl Street pedestrian mall left the community shocked, as a firebombing attack on Sunday injured 12 people during a protest advocating for the release of Israeli hostages. With the city still grappling with the event, residents planned a vigil on Wednesday to support those affected.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman aimed to attack the approximately 20 participants at the demonstration, as reported by local police. He only set off two of the 18 Molotov cocktails he had prepared, while shouting “Free Palestine.” Soliman, identified as an Egyptian national purportedly living illegally in the United States, did not complete his planned attack because he became frightened and was inexperienced with inflicting harm, as noted in the police affidavit.
The day following the attack, U.S. immigration officials detained Soliman’s wife and their five children, hinting at a possible deportation. Such actions are rare for family members of alleged criminals, bringing heightened attention to their situation.
Court documents revealed that Soliman’s family had no knowledge of his intentions. Citing an FBI affidavit, Soliman confessed his motive was driven by an urge “to kill all Zionist people,” referring to supporters of the Jewish state of Israel, and reportedly showed no regret for his actions.
The Jewish community in Boulder responded with plans for a vigil at the local Jewish community center to stand in solidarity with the victims of the attack.
Details on Soliman’s background indicate he was born in Egypt’s Gharbia province and had resided in Kuwait for 17 years before moving to Colorado Springs three years ago. Records show his tourist visa expired in February 2023, following his entry to the U.S. in August 2022. Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, mentioned that Soliman applied for asylum last year, receiving a work permit thereafter, which has also since expired.
While DHS refrained from commenting on the immigration status of Soliman’s family, other reports indicated that their visas were revoked and they have since been apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The case against Soliman outlines a year-long preparation for the attack, planning to follow through after his daughter’s graduation, according to court documentation. A feature by a Colorado Springs newspaper earlier this year highlighted Soliman’s daughter’s achievements, including her journey from struggling student to honor roll member and hospital volunteer. Charged with federal hate crimes and attempted murder at the state level, Soliman faces potential additional charges, being held on a $10 million bond. His lawyer, Kathryn Herold, refrained from commenting on the matter after a state court session.
Witnesses and investigators revealed that Soliman had thrown two firebombs, injuring himself with the second. The authorities are confident he acted independently.
The attack incident, occurring during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, coincides with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has spurred increased antisemitic activity in the U.S., including a prior incident in Washington involving a fatal shooting.
The victims, aged between 52 and 88, included members of a protest group called Run For Their Lives. Hospitalization was required for three of the injured at the University of Colorado Hospital, while details emerged of one victim who survived the Holocaust as a child. Community members continue to rally support and compassion for those affected by the violence.