Mohamed Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, is scheduled to appear in Colorado state court following a firebomb attack on a pro-Israeli rally in Boulder. The incident, which occurred on June 1, involved Soliman allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails and shouting “Free Palestine” at participants of a walk organized by Run for Their Lives, a group advocating for Israeli hostages in Gaza. Fifteen individuals, aged between 25 and 88, along with a dog, sustained injuries. Soliman faces nearly 400 years in prison on state attempted murder charges and additional federal hate crime charges that could result in a life sentence.
Soliman had entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2022, which he overstayed, rendering his presence illegal. His family, including his wife and five children, was taken into custody but a federal judge has temporarily halted their deportation pending further legal proceedings.
Despite the attack, Run for Their Lives plans to continue its activities, with heightened security measures in place. The Boulder chapter’s upcoming walk will coincide with the city’s annual Jewish festival. The organization has reported increased interest and support since the incident.
The attack has been characterized as antisemitic, with Soliman reportedly expressing hatred towards “Zionist” individuals during police interviews. Authorities are investigating the incident as a targeted hate crime.