Federal judge allows hate crime charges in Colorado protest bombing
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BOULDER, COLORADO - JUNE 8: Rachel Amaru of Boulder Run for Their Lives embraces attendees of a March on June 8, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado. On June 1, suspect Mohamed Soliman allegedly threw incendiary devices at a group participating in an organized walk to show solidarity with hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Soliman was charged with 118 counts, including 28 counts of attempted murder.
Chet Strange/Getty Images/AFP
A man accused of attacking a pro-Israel demonstration with Molotov cocktails in Boulder is facing more than 100 charges, including attempted murder and federal hate crime allegations.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, appeared in court this week after allegedly targeting a peaceful gathering in support of Israeli hostages on 1 June. Authorities said Soliman threw homemade explosives and sprayed gasoline at around 20 people assembled on Pearl Street, injuring at least 15. Three victims remain hospitalized, including an 88-year-old.
The charges against Soliman include 28 counts of attempted first-degree murder and 89 other offenses related to the violent incident, including a charge of animal cruelty for an injured dog. He faces the possibility of centuries behind bars if convicted, according to Boulder County prosecutors.
Prosecutors allege the attack was motivated by national origin bias. Investigators say Soliman had been planning the assault for a year and expressed a desire "to kill all Zionist people." He reportedly shouted "Free Palestine" during the attack and carried materials referencing the year 1187, associated with the Muslim capture of Jerusalem from Crusaders.
A federal judge ruled this week that hate crime charges can proceed, despite arguments from the defense that Soliman was targeting political beliefs, not ethnicity or nationality. Court testimony also revealed that Soliman injured himself while throwing one of the devices and had tried to buy a firearm but was denied due to his immigration status.
Soliman, an Egyptian national, has reportedly been living in the U.S. unlawfully after overstaying a visa. His wife and five children were recently detained by immigration authorities, though a judge has temporarily blocked their deportation.
Police recovered 16 additional Molotov cocktails and a gasoline sprayer from the scene, which they believe Soliman intended to use as a flamethrower.
The case comes amid heightened concerns over anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist violence in the US, following another incident in Washington where two Israeli embassy staff were fatally shot outside a Jewish museum in May.
