Colorado Molotov Cocktail Attack: A Year in the Making
On a quiet Sunday in Colorado, a horrifying act of violence shook a peaceful demonstration. Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, stands accused of hurling Molotov cocktails at people attending a march supporting Israeli hostages. But this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment act — investigators say he meticulously planned this attack for an entire year.
The Attack Unfolds
The incident happened at the bustling Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, where a group of pro-Israel demonstrators had gathered for their regular weekly event. The event was organized by Run for Their Lives, a group dedicated to raising awareness about Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. As these attendees assembled outdoors, chanting their messages, Soliman allegedly drove up and unleashed chaos.
Witnesses report that Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” while throwing two incendiary devices into the crowd. The result? Eight people were seriously injured with burns ranging from minor to severe. But it wasn’t just those two Molotov cocktails — law enforcement later found at least 16 unlit Molotov cocktails nearby, indicating Soliman came prepared for a larger scale attack.
Among those injured were men and women aged between 52 and 88. One of the most striking details is that the eldest victim is a Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, who also serves as the Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder. His presence at the event highlighted the emotional and symbolic weight of this attack.
A Calculated Plan, Not an Impulse
According to an arrest warrant affidavit filed by the FBI, Soliman told police that he had been planning this violent attack for a whole year. He specifically waited to execute his plan right after his daughter’s graduation — a chilling detail that shows just how deliberate this act was.
During an interview after his arrest, Soliman reportedly said he wanted to “kill all Zionists” and unabashedly stated that he would do it again if given the chance. The documents also reveal that he found the group online before driving from his home in Colorado Springs to Boulder. He arrived just five minutes before the event began, patiently waiting for the group to gather.
What adds another layer to this terrifying plot is the methodical preparation. Authorities found a backpack weed sprayer filled with octane gasoline near the scene, along with the Molotov cocktails. Soliman admitted to police that he had watched YouTube videos on how to make Molotov cocktails — demonstrating premeditation and intent.
The Court Appearance and Charges
Soliman appeared briefly in court on Monday via video feed from the Boulder County Jail. Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, he stood quietly, answering “yes” to some procedural questions from the judge but otherwise remaining silent. His formal charges, including federal hate crimes, attempted murder, assault, and use of an explosive device, will be officially filed this Thursday.
Victims and Community Impact
The fallout from this attack has been widespread. Initially, officials reported eight victims. However, four more people later came forward with minor injuries, raising the total to 12 individuals hurt by this violent act.
Among the victims, the range of ages and backgrounds makes the attack feel even more tragic. People attending a peaceful event were suddenly thrown into chaos. The fact that a Holocaust survivor was among those targeted underscores the deep historical and emotional wounds touched by this act.
Community members and officials alike have expressed shock that such an attack could occur in a public, peaceful gathering. Yet, the underlying tensions around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue to spill into local communities far from the Middle East.
A Closer Look at Soliman’s Background
Soliman’s background adds layers to the story. An Egyptian national, he arrived in the United States in 2022 on a non-immigrant visa, which expired in early 2023. According to multiple sources, he filed for asylum shortly after arriving, but details on the outcome of that case remain unclear.
A notable and controversial point: Stephen Miller, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy under President Donald Trump, tweeted that Soliman had been granted a work permit by the Biden administration after overstaying his visa — a claim that has sparked heated debate in political circles.
Since 2023, Soliman had been working as a food delivery driver for Uber. The company stated that he met all their requirements when he was hired, including passing a background check, showing valid ID, and having a Social Security number. No prior indicators suggested he posed a threat, according to law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Response
Officials say this case marks the beginning of the legal process. “We fully intend to hold Mr. Soliman accountable for his actions, and these charges are the first step,” Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell said during a press conference on Monday.
Despite the shock and horror, officials emphasized that before this incident, there was no evidence suggesting Soliman was dangerous. His sudden attack appeared to be the result of radicalization fueled by online content and personal grievance.
Key Takeaways from This Incident:
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Year-long planning: This was not an impulsive act but a carefully premeditated attack.
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Use of Molotov cocktails: These are crude but deadly incendiary weapons that can cause serious harm.
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Targeting a peaceful demonstration: The victims were gathered for a cause — raising awareness for Israeli hostages.
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Wide range of victims: Including elderly individuals and a Holocaust survivor.
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Background of the accused: Immigration status, asylum claim, and employment history add complexity.
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Law enforcement’s challenge: No prior red flags before the violent attack.
This case is a grim reminder of how international conflicts can ripple into communities far from the source of those disputes. It also raises important questions about how authorities track potential threats and the role of online radicalization.
If you think about it, the fact that someone could plan for an entire year, learn how to build weapons from online videos, and carry out such a violent act on American soil, reveals the challenges we face in preventing hate crimes. Community safety depends not just on law enforcement vigilance but on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of such radicalization.
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