In a shocking incident in Colorado, a man has been charged with a federal hate crime after allegedly using a makeshift flamethrower and an incendiary device to attack a group advocating for Israeli hostages in Gaza. The suspect, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, reportedly told police that he had planned the attack for a year, specifically targeting what he referred to as the “Zionist group,” according to the FBI.
A CNN review of a Facebook account matching Soliman's name revealed his background. The account, inactive for approximately ten years, indicated that he attended high school and college in Egypt before moving to Kuwait for an accounting job. The page also featured photos of Mohamed Morsi, the former president of Egypt, and posts advocating for the Muslim Brotherhood’s protests against his ousting in 2013.
During the attack, which occurred as the group "Run For Their Lives" was concluding a demonstration, twelve individuals were injured, with some sustaining significant burns. Witnesses reported hearing Soliman shout “Free Palestine” as he executed the attack. An FBI affidavit indicates that Soliman confessed to the assault and expressed a willingness to repeat the act if given the chance. The incident coincided with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which commemorates the reading of the Torah.
In response to the attack, federal and state prosecutors have initiated separate criminal cases against Soliman, charging him with a hate crime and attempted murder, among other offenses. He appeared via video link during a state court hearing while being held at the Boulder County Jail.
The incident has also sparked political commentary, particularly from conservative circles. The Trump administration has leveraged Soliman's immigration status to bolster its deportation agenda. Soliman, who entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2022, overstayed his visa and allegedly applied for asylum. Stephen Miller, former Deputy Chief of Staff under Trump, characterized the attack as an act committed by an “illegal alien.”
In response to the attack, New York City police have increased their presence at religious sites, particularly during the observance of Shavuot. This demonstrates a heightened awareness of safety concerns in light of recent violence targeting Jewish communities.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes during the attack, with one individual capturing video footage of Soliman throwing incendiary devices. The suspect reportedly sustained injuries during the incident and was treated at a local hospital. Public records indicate that he was residing in a rented townhouse in Colorado Springs prior to the attack.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and raises concerns about hate crimes in America. The legal proceedings against Soliman will be closely monitored as they may set precedents regarding the prosecution of hate crimes and the intersection of immigration status and criminal activity.
