12 Injured in Boulder Attack; Suspect Faces Federal Hate Crime Charges.

On June 1, 2025, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national residing illegally in the U.S., carried out a violent attack during a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado. The event, organized by the group “Run for Their Lives,” aimed to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Soliman allegedly used a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails to target the participants, injuring 12 individuals, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.

Attack Details

Soliman reportedly posed as a gardener to infiltrate the demonstration. He threw at least two Molotov cocktails into the crowd and used a homemade flamethrower. Witnesses heard him shouting anti-Israel slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “End Zionist.” He later admitted to investigators that he had planned the attack for over a year, motivated by a desire to target what he described as a “Zionist group.” Soliman also stated that he intended to die during the attack and had no regrets about his actions.

Legal Charges and Background

Soliman faces multiple charges, including 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder, federal hate crime charges, and several counts related to the use of incendiary devices. He is being held on a $10 million cash-only bond. Soliman entered the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa in August 2022, overstayed its expiration in February 2023, and filed for asylum, which remains pending. His work authorization expired in March 2025, rendering him in the country illegally.

Community and Political Reactions

The attack has heightened concerns within the Jewish community, already alarmed by rising antisemitic incidents since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023. Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the act as unacceptable, while former President Donald Trump and other political figures criticized current immigration policies in light of the incident. The FBI and local law enforcement are treating the attack as an act of ideologically motivated terrorism.

Soliman’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 5, 2025. The investigation continues as authorities examine potential extremist ties and digital evidence related to the attack.