Boulder officials reported that federal immigration authorities took the family of the man accused of launching Molotov cocktails at demonstrators into custody on Tuesday.
The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was allegedly disguised as a gardener when he began the attack, during which he threw two Molotov cocktails and shouted, “Free Palestine.”
Initially, Soliman had intended to execute a much larger attack, carrying 18 incendiary devices and announcing plans to kill all those present who were protesting for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
However, he ultimately threw just two of the cocktails during the incident, wounding 12 attendees, who were part of a demonstration organized by a volunteer group named Run For Their Lives.
Police stated that Soliman backed down from his full plan out of fear and had never harmed anyone before.
Witness Alex Osante from San Diego captured video footage of the aftermath, which included attendees attempting to douse a woman who had caught fire during the attack.
Soliman reportedly ignited himself while throwing the second incendiary device.
After realizing the gravity of the situation, he stripped off his shirt and what appeared to be a bulletproof vest before being apprehended by police without resistance.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem mentioned that investigators are probing whether Soliman’s family had any knowledge of his plans.
A Department of Homeland Security official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that Soliman’s family was being processed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In a court document, Soliman claimed that his family was unaware of the attack, which he had been planning for over a year.
Targeting what he referred to as a “Zionist group,” Soliman expressed through authorities that his intent was to kill all of the demonstrators, stating he had no regrets and would repeat the act.
According to Colorado’s acting U.S. attorney J. Bishop Grewell, Soliman faces charges in both federal and state courts, including a hate crime and attempted murder.
He has been placed under a $10 million bond, and his attorney, Kathryn Herold, chose not to comment following a recent hearing.
The next court appearance for Soliman is scheduled for Thursday.
Federal officials noted that Soliman had been living in the U.S. illegally after entering on a B-2 visa in August 2022, which expired in February 2023.
He filed for asylum in September 2022 and was granted work authorization in March 2023, but that authorization also expired, according to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
After his arrest, authorities discovered Soliman had left an iPhone hidden in a desk drawer at his home, containing messages to his family.
In yet another twist, Soliman’s wife brought the phone to the local police, claiming it was his but also used by other family members.
The investigation revealed that Soliman openly conveyed a desire to “kill all Zionist people,” indicating an ideology deeply rooted in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The attack occurred amidst heightened tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas war, which has contributed to an increase in antisemitic incidents across the U.S.
Notably, the incident unfolded at the start of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, coinciding with the recent fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington by another individual who also yelled, “Free Palestine.”
The six victims affected by Soliman’s attack included individuals aged between 52 and 88, with injuries varying from serious to minor.
Initial reports indicated that six victims were triaged and transported to a hospital, with three remaining hospitalized as of Tuesday afternoon.
Hospital spokesperson Kelli Christensen reported that the families requested privacy and did not disclose the conditions of the hospitalized individuals.
Authorities recovered the Molotov cocktails, which were constructed from glass wine carafe bottles and other jars filled with a clear liquid and red rags.
Soliman had also carried gas in a backpack sprayer but claimed he only sprayed it on himself because he intended to end his own life.
Additionally, he mentioned undergoing a concealed-carry class and trying to purchase a firearm, only to be denied due to his status as a non-citizen.
Officials maintain that Soliman acted independently, despite his family being taken into custody.
He, too, was injured during the incident and received medical attention at a hospital, though the specifics of his injuries have not been disclosed.
Having relocated to Colorado Springs three years prior, Soliman lived there with his family after spending 17 years in Kuwait.
image source from：https://timesofsandiego.com/crime/2025/06/03/san-diego-man-witness-in-molotov-cocktail-attack-at-colorado-rally/
