Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the 45-year-old suspect in the June 1 firebombing at a pro-Israel rally, is set to appear in Boulder County court on June 5 for a “return of filing” hearing, where he will formally face a range of serious charges, including 16 counts of attempted murder and 18 counts of possessing incendiary devices.
Authorities say Soliman entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2022 and overstayed after applying for asylum. His case has now drawn federal scrutiny, especially after court documents revealed he told investigators he wanted to “kill all Zionist people” and had planned the attack for over a year—waiting until his daughter graduated high school on May 29.
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Two victims remain hospitalized after the assault, which involved Molotov cocktails thrown at demonstrators ranging in age from 52 to 88. Twelve people were injured.
Family Taken into Custody
On June 3, Homeland Security and ICE agents detained Soliman’s wife and five children. Their immigration statuses were unclear, but DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated publicly, “We are investigating to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack, if they had knowledge of it, or if they provided support to it.”
A White House statement followed: “Six One-Way Tickets for Mohamed’s Wife and Five Kids. Final Boarding Call Coming Soon.” While the post hinted deportation was imminent, no confirmation had been issued as of June 4.
Community Response and Vigil
The Boulder Jewish Community Center has announced a vigil for the victims, titled “Coming Together: A Community Gathering.” In its statement, the center emphasized safety, noting increased police and private security measures will be in place.
“Healing begins with coming together in community,” the statement read. “Please remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. If you see something, say something.”
A Surge in Antisemitic Attacks
This incident is the latest in a series of antisemitic attacks across the U.S., including an April firebombing of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s home and the fatal shooting of a young Jewish couple outside a D.C. museum two weeks ago. All three suspects reportedly cited Palestinian solidarity as their motive.
“The Jewish community is now concerned about being publicly Jewish,” said Oren Segal, SVP at the Anti-Defamation League, speaking to USA TODAY about the Boulder attack. “They’re used to bulletproof glass and metal detectors at institutions—but this was a public gathering.”
Soliman also reportedly tried to buy a firearm prior to the June 1 attack, raising further alarm among investigators. He faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted of the federal hate crime charge.
