A violent attack on a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, has led to federal hate crime charges and 16 counts of attempted murder against 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman. Authorities say Soliman threw Molotov cocktails into a crowd during a peaceful demonstration on Sunday, injuring 12 people, eight of whom were hospitalized with burns, including seniors as old as 88.
Court documents reveal chilling details: Soliman allegedly researched Molotov construction on YouTube, filled eight glass containers with gasoline, and disguised himself as a gardener to get close to participants in the “Run for Their Lives” walk—an event advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Witnesses and video footage show Soliman using a makeshift flamethrower while shouting “Free Palestine” and anti-Zionist slogans.
He later told investigators he targeted the group specifically because it supported Israel, saying he wished all Zionist people were dead and would “do it again.” The FBI found 16 unused Molotov cocktails within arm’s reach at his arrest, along with a backpack sprayer containing gasoline and xylene.
Soliman, an Egyptian national who entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2022, had overstayed his permit and was living in the country illegally, according to Homeland Security. He had worked as an Uber driver before being banned from the platform following the attack.
Officials, including Attorney General Pamela Bondi and President Trump, condemned the incident, calling for more vigorous border enforcement and swift justice. Trump declared the act “a tragedy and a warning” while promising full prosecution. Soliman is set to appear in court Monday.
The case has ignited national debate about domestic terrorism, immigration enforcement, and the growing concern over politically motivated violence targeting specific communities.
