Year-Long Plot Unveiled: Colorado Man Charged with Firebombing Pro-Israel Demonstrators

Investigators believe Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, meticulously planned a Molotov cocktail attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, for over a year. The assault, which coincided with the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, resulted in multiple injuries and has drawn national attention to rising antisemitism amid ongoing tensions in the Gaza conflict.

Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, faces federal hate crime charges following a violent attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado. According to FBI officials, Soliman planned the assault for over a year, executing it during a demonstration for Israeli hostages. He reportedly threw two incendiary devices while shouting "Free Palestine," injuring eight individuals and prompting new discussions about antisemitism in the U.S.

After the attack, authorities discovered at least 16 unlit Molotov cocktails in the vicinity, raising concern over the premeditated nature of his actions. The demonstration was organized by Run for Their Lives, a group advocating for awareness of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Soliman's brief court appearance revealed little, as he mainly answered procedural questions and wore an orange prison jumpsuit.

The attack occurred just as the Jewish community began celebrating Shavuot, further amplifying its sensitive timing. Victims included a Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, highlighting the deeply personal impact of such an attack. With twelve victims hospitalized, the injuries varied from minor to serious, revealing the chaos that unfolded in the community.

Investigators discovered that Soliman had been specifically targeting the pro-Israel group after researching similar gatherings online. His motives, according to arrest documents, stemmed from a vehement hatred for "Zionists," with Soliman expressing desires to commit acts of violence against them. Law enforcement officials confirmed that this attack is part of a concerning trend of anti-Jewish violence that has intensified during the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

Soliman's background adds complexity to the narrative. A native of Egypt who spent years in Kuwait, he moved to Colorado Springs three years ago and had overstayed a visa that expired earlier this year. He had previously filed for asylum but there is little clarity on the status of that case. His employment with Uber has also drawn attention, as officials noted he had met all company requirements, including background checks.

The wider implications of this incident are significant, as officials across the United States prompt discussions on immigration policies in the context of terrorism and radicalization. With antisemitic incidents on the rise following the onset of the Israel-Gaza war on October 7, 2023, the implications of Soliman's actions resonate deeply within communal and national narratives.

As legal proceedings evolve, this case serves as a sobering reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue about hate, violence, and the protection of vulnerable communities in America.