Mohamed Soliman Allegedly Planned Molotov Cocktail Attack Following Gun Purchase Denial, According to Authorities
Mohamed Sabry Soliman charged with bombing pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder using Molotov cocktails after firearm denial.
The suspect at the center of the recent attack targeting a pro-Israel gathering in Boulder has admitted to authorities that his inability to purchase a firearm—due to his immigration status—pushed him toward creating and using homemade explosive devices. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, spoke candidly to law enforcement about his motivations following the June 1st attack, according to newly released details from the Boulder Police Department.
Investigators report that Soliman attempted to obtain a firearm after completing a concealed carry class, but was denied during the mandatory background check because he is not a U.S. citizen. Faced with this roadblock, Soliman admitted to resorting to online resources, specifically YouTube, to learn how to construct Molotov cocktails. "He said that he had previously tried to purchase a firearm, but resorted to the Molotov cocktails when he could not purchase a gun because he was not a legal citizen," officials said at a Monday press conference.
Authorities say Soliman assembled 18 improvised incendiary devices prior to the attack. On the morning of the incident, he allegedly drove to the location of the "Run For Their Lives" demonstration, organized in support of Israeli hostages, and waited for participants to arrive. Once the event began, Soliman is accused of throwing two of the homemade firebombs into the crowd, causing panic and multiple injuries.
District Attorney Michael Dougherty confirmed that the number of identified victims has risen to twelve, although, crucially, no fatalities have been reported. Most of those injured have been treated and released from area hospitals, though officials have not disclosed details about the severity of their injuries. Law enforcement continues to encourage witnesses and additional victims to come forward as investigations progress and formal charges are prepared.
The official affidavit reveals that onlookers saw Soliman hurl glass bottles that shattered and erupted into flames upon impact. Additionally, Soliman reportedly employed a commercial weed sprayer as a makeshift blowtorch during the attack. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered a cache of materials: glass bottles filled with liquid, lighters, rags, an insecticide sprayer, and a replica AR-style BB gun. Authorities also noted the presence of a Quran and paperwork referencing "Israel," "Palestine," and "USAID," items they believe may reveal further insight into his motives.
Following the attack, the FBI conducted a raid on Soliman's residence in Colorado Springs, where evidence including an iPhone and a journal documenting planning and preparation for the attack were seized. In his interview with investigators, Soliman expressed no remorse for his actions, even stating that he would repeat the attack if given the chance.
Soliman now faces a comprehensive list of charges, including multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and possession of incendiary devices. He is being held on a $10 million bond as prosecutors prepare to formally file charges. If convicted on all counts, the maximum sentence could reach 624 years in prison, as the prosecution seeks consecutive sentences for each charge. Additionally, he faces federal charges related to hate crimes, with authorities citing evidence that Soliman targeted the group based on perceived religious or national affiliations.
Officials emphasized the gravity of the incident and the broader implications for community safety. "No one should ever be subjected to violence of any kind. But our laws recognize that such violence is particularly pernicious when someone is targeted because of their race, their religion, or their national origin," acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell stated. Evidence reviewed so far indicates Soliman planned the attack for over a year and was motivated by intense animosity towards what he referred to as the "Zionist group."
Soliman’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at 3:30 p.m. MT, where further legal proceedings and the formal filing of charges will take place. Community leaders and law enforcement continue to urge potential witnesses to contact authorities as the investigation unfolds.
