Empire State Review Contributor 
Boulder, Colorado – Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national living in Colorado Springs, has been charged with 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder and a federal hate crime after a violent attack during a “Run for Their Lives” rally in Boulder on June 3. The rally, organized to raise awareness for the release of Israeli hostages, was tragically interrupted when Soliman unleashed a violent assault, injuring 12 individuals, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. Soliman’s actions have shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about the rise in violence motivated by political and ideological beliefs.
The attack unfolded around 3 p.m. as participants gathered for the event near the city center. Soliman, armed with a flamethrower and firebombs, made his way into the crowd and began hurling firebombs, targeting the peaceful rally attendees. The chaos that followed resulted in 12 people being injured, several critically, with emergency responders quickly arriving on the scene to provide aid and transport the victims to local hospitals. Among those injured was an elderly Holocaust survivor, whose identity has not been publicly released for privacy reasons. Authorities confirmed that the injuries sustained were the result of burns, shrapnel wounds, and smoke inhalation, and several individuals remain in critical condition.
According to law enforcement officials, Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” during the attack, suggesting his actions were politically motivated. Investigators have since uncovered disturbing evidence that Soliman had been planning the assault for nearly a year. In an interview with investigators, he reportedly admitted that he had targeted the rally because he viewed it as a “Zionist group,” demonstrating the underlying ideological motivations behind his violent act.
The suspect, who had overstayed his non-immigrant visa, had been living in Colorado Springs for some time. Authorities revealed that Soliman had been granted a work permit that was set to remain valid until March 2025. Despite his legal status being under scrutiny, there were no prior red flags regarding Soliman’s intentions. However, a deeper investigation into his background has revealed troubling messages left on his iPhone and in a journal, which authorities believe were intended for his family. While the contents of these messages have not yet been disclosed to the public, they could provide more insight into his motivations and the planning behind the attack.
The charges against Soliman carry severe penalties. In addition to the 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder, the federal hate crime charge could result in additional time in prison, reflecting the seriousness of targeting individuals based on their political or religious beliefs. Under U.S. federal law, hate crimes are taken extremely seriously, and any act of violence with a clear bias motive is treated as an aggravated offense.
Local and national leaders have condemned the attack. Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver expressed his shock and sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the victims and their families. “This was a senseless act of violence, and we stand with those who were targeted simply for their political beliefs. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure justice is served,” said Weaver in a public statement. Colorado Governor Jared Polis also weighed in, calling for increased efforts to prevent similar acts of violence and intolerance from happening again. “We will not tolerate hate in any form,” Polis said.
The attack has also raised questions about the increasing incidents of politically charged violence across the United States. While political rallies and demonstrations are a common means for people to voice their beliefs, some events have increasingly become the site of violence, as individuals with differing views clash in violent ways. Law enforcement agencies have emphasized the need for vigilance in monitoring potential threats, particularly those motivated by extremist ideologies.
The investigation is still ongoing, and Soliman remains in custody while authorities work to determine the full extent of his plans. As the legal process unfolds, the broader implications of this attack will continue to spark debate on issues of political violence, immigration, and the growing presence of extremist ideologies in the U.S. community.
For now, the residents of Boulder are left to grapple with the shock and horror of what took place on June 3. What started as a peaceful rally to advocate for the release of hostages ended in a terrifying display of violence that no one could have anticipated. The community is rallying together, showing resilience in the face of adversity, and hoping for justice to be served to those responsible for this horrific act.
