A man accused of targeting demonstrators with Molotov cocktails due to his aversion to “Zionist people” made his initial appearance in federal court Friday to address a hate crime charge. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, aged 45, was present in a Denver courtroom, bound in handcuffs and wearing a jail-issued green uniform. With a U.S. Marshal seated behind him, he followed the proceedings through an Arabic interpreter. Soliman responded affirmatively in Arabic when Magistrate Judge Timothy P. O’Hara clarified his rights.
Although Soliman mostly avoided looking at the packed courtroom before the session started, he appeared more engaged afterward, acknowledging his attorneys with nods and smiles. The gravity of the hate crime charge he faces, usually capped at a 10-year sentence, could escalate to a life term if the crime is recognized as an attempted killing, stated Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Hindman.
Soliman, receiving legal representation from public defenders who refrained from commenting to the press, is expected back in federal court on June 18, where prosecutors will need to demonstrate sufficient evidence for his indictment. Another similar proceeding in state court is scheduled for July 15. Authorities allege Soliman’s attack on the weekly demonstration in Boulder was a calculated effort he plotted for a year.
He is accused of targeting about 15 individuals and a dog amidst the crowd on Boulder’s bustling Pearl Street pedestrian area, managing to deploy only two of his 18 Molotov cocktails. During this act, he reportedly yelled “Free Palestine.” Soliman admitted to investigators that he had attempted to procure a firearm, but his lack of legal status in the United States hindered his efforts.
Federal officials state that Soliman, an Egyptian citizen, has been living in the country unlawfully. According to an arrest affidavit, his original plan was abandoned due to fear, as he had never inflicted harm on anyone before. Not all of those identified as victims were physically harmed; some were in potential danger at the attack site, per 20th Judicial District’s Michael Dougherty.
At least three people remained hospitalized as of Friday, confirmed by Dan Weaver, a spokesperson for the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. An animal cruelty charge surfaced given that the dog sustained injuries during the incident. Soliman, as per court filings, postponed his actions until after his daughter’s school graduation.
Efforts to deport Soliman’s spouse and five children — ranging from four to 17 years of age — have been put on hold by a judicial order issued Wednesday. This order pauses deportation while a lawsuit disputing their removal is evaluated. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed their claims as frivolous attempts to stall proceedings.
Soliman’s family was apprehended by U.S. immigration officials on Tuesday and resides currently in a Texas-based family detention center. Details from a Friday court document shared by the family’s legal team revealed their temporary hotel relocation, initially agreed upon during a home search post-attack, culminated in their custody by roughly 10 to 20 plainclothes officers.
According to the same document, an officer reportedly addressed Soliman’s wife, implying accountability was necessary for her husband’s actions.