In Boulder, Colorado, a violent incident unfolded on June 1, when an Egyptian national allegedly threw Molotov cocktails into a crowd of pro-Israel protesters, injuring eight people. The suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly shouted "Free Palestine" during the attack, which occurred while peaceful demonstrators were advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Witnesses captured video of Soliman, which has since circulated online. The footage shows the chaos that erupted as the improvised incendiary devices ignited among the crowd. In addition to the eight injured, law enforcement discovered 14 unlit Molotov cocktails at the scene, indicating that the attack could have been much worse.
Soliman, who overstayed his tourist visa, is facing multiple charges, including hate crimes and attempted murder. According to an FBI affidavit, he expressed a desire to kill "all Zionist people" and indicated that he had planned the attack for about a year. He allegedly stated he was waiting for a specific moment after his daughter’s graduation to carry out his plan.
Former President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it horrific and highlighting concerns about border security. He blamed the incident on what he described as the Biden administration’s lax immigration policies, claiming they allowed dangerous individuals to enter the country. Trump emphasized the need for stricter border control and the deportation of illegal immigrants.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed Trump’s sentiments, stating that the administration is committed to protecting Jewish Americans and denouncing acts of terrorism. She noted that this incident is part of a troubling trend of antisemitic violence in the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security is responding to the attack by revamping its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tip line to better address criminal activity related to illegal immigration. Officials are urging the public to report suspicious behavior to help improve safety in communities.
As the investigation continues, the Boulder community is left grappling with the aftermath of this shocking attack, which has raised concerns about safety and the rise of hate-fueled violence in the country.