Boulder Colorado molotov attack suspect planned assault for a year, FBI says, faces life

The suspect accused of attacking a pro-Israeli rally in Boulder, Colorado, had been planning the assault for a year according to new details released by the FBI.

Authorities have provided several new updates on the case, including more details on the suspect’s alleged motivation and the scope of the charges.

Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is being held on a range of charges, including assault, use of explosives, and murder in the first degree, though police have said no victims were killed in Sunday’s attack.

The FBI affidavit states that Soliman told investigators he “had been planning the attack for a year and was waiting until after his daughter graduated to conduct the attack.”

His daughter’s graduation ceremony occurred just days before the incident.

Soliman arrived at the scene at 12.55pm, waiting for the “Run for Their Lives” group before launching his attack, targeting what he described as “Zionists,” and telling police he would “conduct the attack again” if given the chance.

The attack took place at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, a busy pedestrian area near the University of Colorado, during an event organised by Run for Their Lives, a group focused on raising awareness about hostages taken after Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel.

Witnesses reported that Soliman used a makeshift flamethrower and threw incendiary devices into the crowd, shouting “Free Palestine!” according to the FBI, which called the incident a “targeted terror attack”.

Acting US Attorney for Colorado, Bishop Grewell, told reporters on Monday evening local time that Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly tried to buy a gun to carry out the attack but, “because he is not a legal citizen he allegedly resorted to using Molotov cocktails.” Grewell added, “We fully intended to hold Mr Soliman accountable for his actions, and these charges are the first step.”

Mr Grewell also said Soliman’s actions were driven by hate: “No one should be subjected to violence, but violence is particularly pernicious when it targets someone’s race, religion or national origin.”

He continued, “Soliman had allegedly been planning the attack for a year and acted because he hated what he calls the ‘Zionist’ group.”

Soliman has now been charged with the commission of a hate crime. “Because of the attempted murder aspect, Soliman will face a maximum sentence of life in prison,” Grewell said.

During the news conference, Grewell opened by thanking authorities and expressing support for the community: “We are taking action. My heartbreak and support go out to the victims and the community of Boulder.”

Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said there was no indication before the attack that Soliman posed a threat: “There was no prior knowledge of him.” FBI Agent Michalek confirmed, “He was not known to federal law enforcement.”

Redfearn also noted the resilience of Boulder’s community, saying businesses could reopen if they wished: “I was heartened by the resilience of the community this morning... We’re going to be OK.” He added, “Bottom line is we want everyone to feel safe,” and highlighted the police department’s strong relationship with the Jewish community.

Four more victims with minor injuries have come forward, Boulder Police Chief Redfearn said, bringing the total number of victims to 12.

District Attorney Michael Dougherty confirmed, “The formal charges filed against Soliman will reflect those 12.”

Mr Dougherty outlined the charges and possible sentences: “Sixteen counts of attempted murder in the first degree, eight of which are with intent, the other eight are with ‘extreme indifference’. If convicted for all of the charges, he would face a maximum of 384 years in state prison. Two counts of use of incendiary device, the maximum sentence being 48 years if convicted. Sixteen counts of attempted use of incendiary device, if convicted the maximum sentence would be 192 years.”

Mr Dougherty added, “The judge has set a $10 million cash only bond.”

Both state and federal governments will prosecute Soliman. “The US attorney’s office will be prosecuting the hate crime charges and the attempted murder and other charges will happen at the state level,” Dougherty said. “That will allow the government to hold the suspect fully accountable.”

Dougherty also confirmed that more unused Molotov cocktails were found than previously reported: “There were 16 unused Molotov cocktails recovered by law enforcement, a slight increase from the 14 previously reported. The rapid response of the Molotov cocktails speaks for itself.”

District Attorney Dougherty concluded, “We’re going to make sure justice is done.” He emphasised the community’s unity: “The community is standing shoulder to shoulder and ensuring justice is done. We’re united against hate, terror and violence, and in condemning acts of anti-semitism. We’re united in a strong response.”

Police say Soliman threw two lit Molotov cocktails at individuals in the gathering, causing burn injuries.

Among the victims was an 88-year-old Holocaust refugee, according to Rabbi Yisroel Wilhelm, the Chabad director at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

At the time of his arrest, Soliman was found with at least 14 unused Molotov cocktails, a backpack weed sprayer filled with octane gasoline, a red gas container, and paperwork referencing “Israel,” “Palestine,” and “USAID”.

US President Donald Trump said in a social media post that such attacks would not be tolerated.

“This is yet another example of why we must keep our Borders SECURE, and deport Illegal, Anti-American Radicals from our Homeland,” he said.

Soliman’s most recent job was as an Uber driver, and he had previously worked at Veros Health on a visa that expired in March 2025.

Official records show he had overstayed his visa and his work permit had expired. “There are millions of individuals like this that we are attempting to locate from the past administration that weren’t properly screened that were allowed in,” said Todd Lyons, acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, at a Boston press conference.

Federal prosecutors have charged Soliman with a hate crime offence involving the actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin of his victims.

“No American should experience violence motivated by hatred based on their faith or national origin, and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice will act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators of such crimes to justice. There can be zero tolerance for such acts in our great nation,” said US Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon.

The attack was the latest act of violence aimed at Jewish people in the US linked to outrage over Israel’s escalating military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

It followed the fatal shooting of two Israel embassy aides that took place outside Washington DC’s Capital Jewish Museum last month.

Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the attack, linking it to recent violence against Jewish Americans: “This vile anti-Semitic violence comes just weeks after the horrific murder of two young Jewish Americans in Washington DC. We will never tolerate this kind of hatred. We refuse to accept a world in which Jewish Americans are targeted for who they are and what they believe”.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the administration’s stance, saying, “Rest assured to all Jewish Americans across our great country, this president has your back. He’s not going to allow anyone to take part in violent terrorism in our county. These individuals are going to be deported and we’re not going to tolerate such violence in our country”.

Court documents reveal that Soliman left hidden messages for his family on an iPhone and kept a journal at his Colorado Springs home, which he shared with his wife and five children. After his arrest, Soliman’s wife turned the iPhone over to police.

Soliman is being held on $10 million bail and his court hearing has been delayed.