- 12 injured in Pearl Street Mall firebombing during hostage demonstration
- Attacker planned mass casualty event with 18 explosives, motivated by anti-Zionist views
- Family detained for immigration violations as federal hate crime charges proceed
Residents of Boulder, Colorado, grappled with shock and grief this week after a violent firebombing disrupted a peaceful demonstration for Israeli hostages. The attack, which occurred Sunday at the city’s iconic Pearl Street pedestrian mall, left a dozen individuals with injuries ranging from minor burns to life-threatening trauma. Authorities identified Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national residing illegally in the U.S., as the sole perpetrator.
Court documents reveal Soliman had meticulously planned the assault for over a year, stockpiling 18 homemade incendiary devices. Witnesses reported hearing him shout political slogans associated with the Free Palestine movement before launching two explosives into the crowd. Investigators confirmed Soliman sustained injuries during the attack, including severe burns visible in his booking photo.
Immigration officials detained Soliman’s wife and five children following the incident, sparking debates about family accountability in terror cases. Department of Homeland Security records indicate the family entered the U.S. legally in August 2022 but remained after their visas expired. Experts note this case highlights gaps in asylum system monitoring, with approximately 40% of applicants failing to maintain legal status during processing periods.
Medical teams reported three victims remained hospitalized Tuesday at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Among the injured was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor participating in the weekly Run For Their Lives demonstration. The attack coincided with Shavuot celebrations, amplifying concerns about rising antisemitic violence linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Regional comparisons reveal striking patterns in hate crime responses. A similar 2022 incident in Pittsburgh, where a gunman targeted synagogue attendees, prompted statewide hate crime legislation reforms. Boulder’s rapid organization of Wednesday’s vigil at the Jewish Community Center reflects growing community-driven security initiatives observed in cities with populations exceeding 100,000.
Federal prosecutors have charged Soliman with attempted murder and hate crimes, while Colorado authorities pursue additional terrorism-related counts. His public defender declined to comment during Monday’s bond hearing, where Soliman’s bail was set at $10 million. ICE officials confirmed his family faces imminent deportation proceedings under rarely invoked immigration statutes.
Law enforcement analysis suggests the attack’s sophistication indicates potential online radicalization. Cybersecurity experts identified a 75% increase in extremist forum activity referencing Middle Eastern conflicts since October 2023. The Boulder case marks the fourth major antisemitic attack on U.S. soil this year involving perpetrators who overstayed visas.
Community leaders emphasized unity during Wednesday’s candlelight vigil, attended by over 500 residents. Local rabbi David Meyer stated: This violence seeks to divide us, but we respond with solidarity.The event raised $25,000 for victim medical expenses through grassroots donations, demonstrating Boulder’s characteristic resilience in crisis situations.
