Colorado pro-Israel rally attack: Suspect Mohamed Soliman planned for a year, waited for daughter to graduate

A man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails and using a makeshift flamethrower at a pro-hostage rally in Boulder, Colorado, had been planning the attack for a year and expressed a clear intent to kill, according to federal investigators. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was charged on Monday with a federal hate crime, alongside multiple state charges including attempted first-degree murder and unlawful use of incendiary devices.

 

The violent attack took place on June 1 afternoon during a peaceful demonstration in support of hostages in Gaza. Authorities said Soliman disguised himself as a gardener to get close to the group before launching the assault. He ignited two Molotov cocktails while shouting “Free Palestine”, setting off a fire that left 12 people injured. Eight suffered burn injuries, including two who were airlifted to a Denver hospital. One victim remains in critical condition.

 

According to an FBI affidavit filed in the US District Court of Colorado, Soliman expressed hatred for Zionists and stated that he wanted to “kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead.” He reportedly told investigators he had targeted the rally after discovering the group’s plans online, arriving at the scene five minutes before the scheduled start. He waited until demonstrators gathered before striking.

 

After throwing the initial devices, Soliman briefly hid behind bushes before returning to throw a third Molotov cocktail. He apparently set himself on fire in the process. Witnesses said he removed his shirt and what appeared to be a bulletproof vest before lying on the ground. Police arrested him at the scene without resistance.

 

Authorities later recovered a black plastic container with a yellow lid nearby, containing at least 14 additional unlit Molotov cocktails fashioned from wine bottles and Ball jars, each filled with petrol and red rags. A backpack weed sprayer loaded with fuel, used as a flamethrower, was also found.

 

Police located a silver Toyota Prius registered to Soliman parked a few blocks away. Inside were a red petrol container and papers referencing “Israel,” “Palestine,” and “USAID.” Soliman told investigators he had researched how to make Molotov cocktails on YouTube and purchased fuel en route to the attack.

 

Soliman, an Egyptian citizen, was living in Colorado Springs with his wife and five children. He entered the United States on a B2 tourist/business visa in August 2022 and applied for asylum a month later. Although his visa expired in February 2023, he obtained a work permit in spring 2023, as permitted for asylum applicants.

 

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Soliman was in the country unlawfully. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated on social media, “The Colorado terrorist attack suspect, Mohamed Soliman, is illegally in our country.” Federal officials noted that individuals like Soliman, who overstay visas while awaiting asylum decisions, are considered “unauthorised” though they may retain certain legal protections.

 

Soliman appeared briefly in a state court hearing via video link from the Boulder County Jail. He is being held on a $10 million cash-only bond and faces life imprisonment if convicted on federal charges. Further federal indictments may follow.

 

US Attorney J. Bishop Grewell said Soliman had originally attempted to purchase a firearm but could not do so as he was not an American citizen. He then turned to homemade incendiary devices. His wife handed over an iPhone he had hidden at home, which reportedly contained messages to his family.

 

As the investigation continues, authorities say they are still gathering evidence and expect more charges. The attack, they emphasise, was not spontaneous but deliberate and ideologically motivated. “He stated that he had been planning the attack for a year and was waiting until after his daughter graduated to conduct the attack,” the FBI affidavit concluded. “He said he would do it again.”

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