Suspect’s Family Detained After Boulder Attack \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ An Egyptian man accused of firebombing pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder is now facing hate crime and attempted murder charges. His wife and five children have been detained by federal immigration officials amid an ongoing investigation. Authorities say the attack was premeditated and ideologically motivated, with serious injuries inflicted on multiple victims.
Quick Looks
- Mohamed Sabry Soliman accused of attacking pro-Israel demonstrators.
- Disguised as a gardener, he threw two Molotov cocktails.
- Twelve people injured; six hospitalized, three still admitted.
- Soliman had 18 Molotov cocktails but backed off full plan.
- Attack targeted a group he called “Zionist.”
- Family now in ICE custody; DHS investigating knowledge.
- Soliman entered U.S. illegally, overstayed expired B-2 visa.
- Told FBI he had “no regrets,” wanted more dead.
- Charged with federal hate crime and state attempted murder.
- Court hearing scheduled; held on $10 million bond.
- FBI says attack timed around daughter’s graduation.
- Video shows chaos, suspect’s arrest, and makeshift weapons.
Deep Look
Federal and state authorities are unraveling the details behind a violent and ideologically driven attack in Boulder, Colorado, where 45-year-old Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman is accused of hurling Molotov cocktails at a group of demonstrators supporting the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. The attack injured 12 individuals, six of whom required hospitalization.
Soliman, who was in the U.S. illegally after overstaying a B-2 visa, allegedly planned the assault for over a year. According to court documents, he specifically targeted what he described as a “Zionist group” and hoped to kill all demonstrators. On the day of the attack, Soliman disguised himself as a gardener and brought 18 Molotov cocktails to the scene. Despite reportedly backing off from his full plan, he still managed to inflict significant harm with just two incendiary devices.
The assault occurred near the popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder, during a weekly demonstration by members of the group Run For Their Lives, which campaigns for the release of Israeli hostages. Soliman reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during the attack, which happened at the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. Officials say the act adds to a disturbing rise in antisemitic violence in the U.S. amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to law enforcement, Soliman showed no remorse during his post-arrest interviews. He told investigators that he “wanted them all to die” and would “do it again” if given the chance. Colorado’s Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell confirmed that Soliman is being prosecuted for a federal hate crime and faces state-level attempted murder charges, among other counts related to the weapons used.
Authorities say the suspect was also injured in the attack, with visible wounds and a bandage over his ear in a booking photo. Video footage from the incident, captured by witness Alex Osante, shows the chaos that followed the explosions. In the footage, bystanders are seen pouring water on a woman who appeared to catch fire. Soliman himself appeared to catch fire while throwing one of the Molotov cocktails and subsequently removed his shirt and bulletproof vest before police arrived. He was arrested at the scene without resistance.
Following his arrest, Soliman’s wife turned over an iPhone to local authorities, which had been hidden in a desk drawer at their Colorado Springs home. The phone reportedly contained messages related to the attack. Soliman insisted that his family had no knowledge of his plan, though U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed that federal officials are investigating whether any family members were aware of or complicit in the plot.
Soliman’s immigration history reveals a series of expired applications and authorizations. After entering the country in August 2022, he applied for asylum and received a work permit in March 2023, which later expired. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that Soliman had no valid immigration status at the time of the attack.
In a chilling revelation, the FBI affidavit noted that Soliman had timed the attack to occur after his daughter’s graduation, suggesting a level of personal calculation. He told investigators that he had taken a concealed-carry class and attempted to purchase a firearm but was denied due to his non-citizen status. Authorities said he carried gasoline in a backpack sprayer, which he had considered using on others but ultimately used on himself, indicating he may have been contemplating a suicide attack.
Court documents detail that Soliman had lived in Colorado Springs with his wife and five children for three years after spending 17 years in Kuwait. As of Tuesday, his entire family was taken into custody by federal immigration authorities. The Department of Homeland Security has not confirmed whether they face charges or deportation.
Officials are continuing to explore potential extremist motivations behind the attack. While no formal link to organized terror networks has been established, Soliman’s statements about killing “Zionist people” and his willingness to die for his cause align with lone-wolf extremist behavior.
The Justice Department is expected to present the case to a grand jury for indictment. Soliman is currently being held on a $10 million bond. His attorney, Kathryn Herold, has not made any public comments. Soliman’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
As the victims recover — the youngest 52 and the oldest 88 — the community remains shaken. The incident highlights growing fears over politically motivated violence in public spaces, especially those tied to polarizing global conflicts.
Suspect’s Family Suspect’s Family Suspect’s Family
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