Boulder Terror Attack Suspect Allegedly Claimed Intention to Kill 'All Zionist People' and Used Molotov Cocktails, Say Federal Authorities
Egyptian man in the US, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, faces hate crime charges after allegedly injuring eight with Molotov cocktails at a Boulder pro-Israel event.
Federal authorities have charged Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, in connection with a violent attack in Boulder, Colorado that targeted participants at a pro-Israel gathering. The charges include a federal hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin, as well as first-degree murder, crimes against at-risk adults and the elderly, assault, criminal attempt to commit class one and two felonies, and use of explosives or incendiary devices during a felony. This sweeping set of charges underscores the severity and calculated nature of the alleged act.
The incident occurred Sunday afternoon on Pearl Street, where a group called "Run for Their Lives" had assembled to advocate for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. According to federal charging documents, Soliman allegedly approached the group and threw two lit Molotov cocktails into the crowd while shouting, “Free Palestine!” At least eight people, ranging in age from 52 to 88, sustained burn injuries—one of whom remains in critical condition—though no fatalities have been reported.
Responding officers arrested Soliman near the scene and discovered a black plastic container containing at least fourteen additional unlit Molotov cocktails, a backpack weed sprayer filled with a flammable substance, and other materials consistent with incendiary devices. Tests identified the liquid in the bottles and sprayer as 87-octane gasoline laced with xylene, a volatile compound often used to intensify fires. A search of Soliman’s vehicle yielded further evidence, including a red gas can, red rags matching those found in the container, and paperwork referencing “Israel,” “Palestine,” and “USAID.”
During police interviews, Soliman reportedly admitted to researching how to make Molotov cocktails on YouTube, purchasing the necessary supplies, and constructing the explosive devices himself. He told investigators he traveled to Boulder with the intent to attack the pro-Israel gathering after finding out about it through online searches. The complaint alleges Soliman confessed his hatred for "the Zionist group," expressed his desire to kill them, and even stated he would repeat his actions if given the chance. Soliman also told investigators he had harbored plans for the attack for a year, specifically waiting until after his daughter’s graduation before carrying it out.
The FBI has labeled the attack as a “targeted terror attack” and reported that Soliman, an Egyptian national, was residing in the United States illegally after overstaying a work visa that expired two years prior. He is currently being held at the Boulder County Jail on a $10 million bond. Federal and local law enforcement agencies remain actively involved in the investigation, pledging to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Community leaders, politicians, and Jewish organizations across the country have strongly condemned the violence and called for unity in the face of hate-driven attacks. Boulder police have assured the public there are no further immediate threats and plan to address the community at a press conference scheduled later today, reiterating that all surviving victims continue to receive medical treatment.
