Boulder Hate Crime Suspect Faces Federal Charges After Year-Long Plot to Attack “Zionist” Group
Boulder Attack: Egyptian Man Faces Federal Hate Crime Charges After Violent Assault on Pro-Israel Rally
BOULDER, Colorado, June 11, 2025 – A violent attack at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder has led to federal hate crime charges against 45-year-old Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman. The incident occurred on June 1 at Pearl Street Mall, where Soliman allegedly used a homemade flamethrower and Molotov cocktails during a demonstration organized by “Run for Their Lives,” a group calling for the release of Israeli hostages.
Authorities say Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” while launching the assault, which left 15 people injured, including a Holocaust survivor. The FBI is treating the act as a planned terrorist attack. Court documents reveal Soliman had been preparing for the attack for over a year, studying the group online and learning to make incendiary devices from YouTube tutorials. He reportedly disguised himself as a gardener and traveled over 100 miles from Colorado Springs with 18 Molotov cocktails in his vehicle—only two of which were used.
Soliman told investigators he waited until after his daughter’s high school graduation to carry out the plan, expecting to die during the attack. According to an FBI affidavit, he showed no regret, saying he wanted to “kill all Zionist people” and would repeat the act if given the chance.
Twelve victims were hospitalized, with three still in serious condition, including a married couple. The injured ranged from 25 to 88 years old. The attack, which took place just before the Jewish holiday Shavuot, has intensified fears among Jewish residents in Boulder already concerned about increasing antisemitic incidents nationwide.
Soliman, who arrived in the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2022 and later filed for asylum, is being held on a $10 million bond. Immigration authorities have also detained his wife and five children for possible deportation. While Soliman claims his family had no knowledge of his actions, officials continue to investigate their potential involvement.
In response, President Trump has called for tougher immigration controls, pointing to the case as an example of failed border policies. The Department of Homeland Security has pledged to pursue maximum legal action against Soliman.
The Jewish community in Boulder held a vigil on June 4 to honor the victims and has announced that the upcoming Boulder Jewish Festival will move forward with added security. The Islamic Society of Colorado Springs, where Soliman occasionally attended, has publicly condemned the attack, stating he showed no signs of extremism.
This disturbing case reflects the ongoing tension related to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the growing threat of antisemitic violence in the United States.
