Colorado Firebombing Suspect's Wife Gave Jewish Neighbors Welcome Gifts Weeks Before Attack

A Jewish couple in Colorado Springs is recounting a harrowing experience after learning that their new neighbor, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was arrested on suspicion of carrying out a violent attack during a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder. The couple—David and Rivkah Costello—had recently moved into the neighborhood and were still settling in when law enforcement paid them a visit relating to the shocking incident.

The FBI arrived at the Costello residence shortly after the attack, informing the visibly Jewish family that their neighbor stood accused of firebombing a demonstration, resulting in injuries to 12 people outside the Boulder County courthouse. Soliman, an Egyptian national, is presently held on a $10 million bond and faces serious charges including attempted murder and federal hate crimes.

"I come home, and the FBI is waiting at my door. That’s a scary moment," David Costello revealed. Agents clarified the family wasn't under suspicion but wanted them to understand the threat, especially due to their openly Jewish identity, which includes displaying religious symbols such as a mezuzah on their door and wearing traditional attire like tzitzit and kippah.

The news came as a shock to the Costellos, who recalled only a friendly gesture from Soliman's wife after they moved in. "The wife came over and gave us some cupcakes," David said. "We keep kosher, so we couldn't eat them, but we accepted them and then we just sort of threw them away." Only later did they realize the gravity of the situation unfolding around them.

Due to their observance of Shavuot—during which they avoid electronics—the family had been unaware of the incident until contacted by authorities. "I didn’t realize how big the story was until I turned on my phone after the holiday," Rivkah Costello explained. "We moved here to lie low, but suddenly we were in the headlines."

Prior to moving, the Costellos had left an area they described as marked by persistent anti-Israel activism, seeking what they hoped would be a quieter and safer place for their family. "He had to have driven right past our house to get to Boulder," David reflected, noting the family’s very visible Jewish identity. "It is really by the grace of Hashem, that we weren't attacked... it could have easily just been us."

The reality of living across from the suspect weighs heavily on the couple, especially with five young children. "They said bail was set at $10 million, but that still means there’s a possibility he could be released—and we live right across the street. This is terrifying," Rivkah stressed.

Authorities allege that Soliman planned the act for over a year and specifically targeted "Zionist people." The attack has reignited concerns about a rise in antisemitic extremism across the United States, with many Jewish communities feeling increasingly vulnerable.

Despite these fears, the Costellos resolve not to let hate drive them into hiding. As David put it, "When you’re pushed, you can either disappear or stand your ground. We’re choosing to stand." The family hopes for increased awareness and action against antisemitic sentiment, but above all, they wish for the ability to live in peace: "We really don’t want to move again," David said, "but if it becomes dangerous, we may not have a choice."

The experience, though unsettling, has only deepened their commitment to expressing their identity. "While symbols like a mezuzah might make you a target, they also offer spiritual protection," David noted, emphasizing the significance of unity and resilience, particularly during meaningful holidays like Shavuot.