Introduction to the Boulder Attack
BOULDER, Colo. — Four additional victims have been identified in the Boulder attack in which a man is accused of throwing Molotov cocktails into a group that had gathered to bring attention to Israeli hostages in Gaza, authorities said Monday, bringing the number of injured to 12.
Background of the Attack
The man planned the attack for more than a year and specifically targeted what he described as a “Zionist group,” authorities said in court papers charging him with a federal hate crime. Witnesses said the suspect, identified by Boulder police as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, yelled “Free Palestine” and used a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices. The suspect’s first name also was spelled Mohammed in some court documents.
Charges Against the Suspect
Federal and state prosecutors filed separate criminal cases against Soliman, charging him with a hate crime and attempted murder, respectively. He faces more state charges related to the incendiary devices, and more charges are possible in federal court, where the Justice Department will seek a grand jury indictment that may include amended allegations.
Motivation Behind the Attack
An FBI affidavit says Soliman confessed to the attack after being taken into custody Sunday and told the police he was driven by a desire “to kill all Zionist people,” a reference to the movement to establish and protect a Jewish state in Israel. “He said he had to do it, he should do it, and he would not forgive himself if he did not do it,” police wrote. “Mohamed described his hopes for everyone in the Zionist group to die.”
Injuries and Hospitalizations
The victims who were wounded range in age from 52 to 88, and the injuries spanned from serious to minor, officials said. All four of the latest victims had what police described as minor injuries. Six of the injured were taken to hospitals, and four have since been released, said Miri Kornfeld, a Denver-based organizer connected to the group. She said the clothing of one of those who remains hospitalized caught on fire.
The Attack Scene
The attack occurred as people with a volunteer group called Run For Their Lives was concluding its weekly demonstration to raise visibility for the hostages in Gaza. Video from the scene shows a witness shouting, “He’s right there. He’s throwing Molotov cocktails,” as a police officer with his gun drawn advances on a bare-chested man who is holding containers in each hand.
Witness Accounts
Witness Alex Osante of San Diego said he was across the pedestrian mall when he heard the crash of a bottle breaking on the ground and a “boom,” followed by people yelling and screaming. In video of the scene captured by Osante, people could be seen pouring water on a woman on the ground who Osante said had caught fire during the attack.
Molotov Cocktails Found
Soliman said he dressed like gardener with an orange vest to get as close to the group as possible, even purchasing flowers from Home Depot, police wrote. He had gas in a backpack sprayer but told investigators he didn’t spray it on anyone but himself “because he had planned on dying.” He told investigators he only threw two Molotov cocktails at the group “because he got scared and had never hurt anyone before,” police wrote.
Suspect Hospitalized After Attack
Authorities said they believe Soliman acted alone. He was also injured and taken to a hospital. Authorities did not elaborate on the nature of his injuries, but a booking photo showed him with a large bandage over one ear.
Suspect’s Background
Soliman was living in the U.S. illegally after entering the country in August 2022 on a B2 visa that expired in February 2023, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated in a post on X. McLaughlin said Soliman filed for asylum in September 2022 and was granted a work authorization in March 2023 that had expired. Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for more information. Soliman, who was born in Egypt, moved to Colorado Springs three years ago, where he lived with his wife and five kids, according to state court documents. He previously spent 17 years living in Kuwait.
Colorado Springs Neighbors Recognized Suspect
Shameka Pruiett said she knew Soliman and his wife as kindly neighbors with three young kids and two teenagers, who’d play with Pruiett’s kids. Another neighbor, Kierra Johnson, said she could often hear shouting at night from his apartment and once called police because of the screaming and yelling.
Conclusion
The Boulder attack has left 12 people injured, with the suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, facing charges of hate crime and attempted murder. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are possible
