In a disturbing incident that has captured national attention, a 45-year-old Egyptian man named Mohammed Sabry Soliman has been accused of orchestrating an attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado. According to investigators from the FBI, Soliman allegedly spent a year planning this reprehensible act, which involved the use of incendiary devices, specifically Molotov cocktails, thrown at individuals participating in a march advocating for Israeli hostages. The attack occurred during a demonstration organized by a group named Run for Their Lives, which aims to raise awareness about the plight of Israeli citizens captured and held in Gaza.
On June 2, 2025, Soliman made a brief court appearance, facing serious charges that include a federal hate crime along with state-level charges of attempted murder and assault with an explosive device. Witnesses reported that as he threw the incendiary devices, he shouted “Free Palestine,” illustrating his political motivations behind the crime. The consequences were severe, with eight individuals suffering burns and a total of twelve receiving medical attention due to their injuries, which ranged from minor to serious. Notably, the oldest of the victims is Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, a Holocaust survivor and the Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Following the attack, officials discovered at least 16 unlit Molotov cocktails in the vicinity, reinforcing the premeditated nature of Soliman’s actions. The FBI disclosed that Soliman targeted this specific group after conducting online research to locate their demonstrations. During interrogations post-arrest, it was revealed that he had dreams of causing further chaos, declaring intentions to harm what he referred to as “Zionists” and expressing a belief that he needed to stop their “takeover” of Palestinian territories. This alarming rhetoric highlights an increasing trend of antisemitism and violence exacerbated by geopolitical conflicts, particularly those surrounding the Israel-Gaza situation.
As part of his disguise, Soliman wore an orange vest similar to those worn by gardeners, allowing him to approach the demonstrators without arousing suspicion. He drove from Colorado Springs to Boulder and noted in an FBI affidavit that he had already researched ways to create Molotov cocktails through YouTube videos. Additionally, he explained how his inability to procure a firearm due to immigration constraints led him to resort to such explosive methods instead.
This incident corresponds with a worrisome trend of escalating antisemitic violence in the United States, especially in connection to tensions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. For instance, in the preceding month, gunmen targeted two aides of the Israeli Embassy outside Washington’s Capital Jewish Museum, further showcasing the rising tide of antisemitism. Furthermore, in a separate incident in April, an arson attack was carried out at the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish, as retribution for perceived Israeli aggressions.
With Soliman now facing serious charges, officials have indicated that they will ensure he is held accountable for his actions, marking the attacks as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by religious and ethnic communities in America. Commenting on Soliman’s motivations, authorities underscored the need to scrutinize escalating hate speech and violence, particularly when they intersect with global conflicts that impact local communities.
As the legal proceedings continue, the expected formal filing of charges is set for June 6, 2025. The case not only highlights the danger posed by individuals driven by extremist ideology but also exacerbates the urgency for communities to foster dialogue that can mitigate such hostilities. In a climate where safety and tolerance are paramount, incidents like the Boulder attack remind us of the critical work needed to combat hate in all its forms.
