Mohamed Soliman Allegedly Planned Molotov Cocktail Attack Following Gun Purchase Denial, Court Documents Reveal
Mohamed Sabry Soliman accused of bombing pro-Israel protesters in Boulder with Molotov cocktails following firearm purchase denial.
The man accused of carrying out an explosive attack on a pro-Israel rally in Boulder allegedly resorted to making homemade firebombs after being denied the purchase of a firearm due to his immigration status. According to court documents filed by police, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman told investigators he had attended a concealed carry class with the intention of legally acquiring a gun. However, his attempt was blocked when it was discovered that he was not a U.S. citizen.
Facing this restriction, Soliman reportedly turned to online resources, searching YouTube for instructions on how to craft improvised incendiary weapons. Authorities say he constructed at least 18 Molotov cocktails in preparation for the June 1 attack and traveled from Colorado Springs to Boulder, where a peaceful "Run For Their Lives" demonstration—organized in support of Israeli hostages—was scheduled to take place.
During the event, Soliman is alleged to have thrown two Molotov cocktails into the assembled crowd. Law enforcement officials confirmed that a total of 12 victims have now been identified, with all but two already released from local hospitals. Officials have encouraged additional victims and witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues.
An affidavit reveals that several witnesses saw Soliman throw what appeared to be a glass bottle that erupted into flames upon impact. He is also alleged to have wielded a commercial weed sprayer as a makeshift blowtorch during the attack. Upon searching his vehicle, authorities discovered numerous incendiary devices, as well as a lighter, rags, and an AR-style BB rifle. They also found personal items including a Quran and various documents referencing "Israel," "Palestine," and "USAID."
Soliman, according to investigators, expressed no remorse during interviews and stated his intent to repeat the attacks if given the opportunity. He left a journal in his home outlining his motivations and the steps he took leading up to the incident, authorities said.
Now facing a range of charges—including multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and possession of incendiary devices—Soliman is being held on a $10 million bond. Prosecutors detailed the potential consequences should he be convicted: up to 384 years in state prison for attempted murder charges alone, with additional decades possible for charges related to incendiary devices. If all sentences are imposed consecutively, Soliman could face a maximum of 624 years behind bars.
Alongside state charges, Soliman has been federally indicted for a hate crime, with federal prosecutors noting the attack targeted individuals due to their race, religion, or national origin. Officials stated that Soliman had planned the attack for over a year, motivated by hatred toward what he called the “Zionist group.”
Soliman's next court appearance, where charges will be formally filed, is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at 3:30 p.m. Mountain Time. Authorities continue to call on the public to assist in the ongoing investigation.
