The Boulder Firebombing: Who Is Mohamed Sabry Soliman and Why Did He Attack?

On June 1, 2025, a horrifying act of domestic terrorism unfolded at a peaceful pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado. Organized by the advocacy group "Run for Their Lives" to raise awareness for Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, the event turned into a nightmare when Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, unleashed firebombs and a makeshift flamethrower into the crowd — injuring 12 people, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.

This calculated and ideologically-driven act of violence did not occur in a vacuum. It was premeditated, planned over the course of more than a year, and executed with chilling intent.

The Attack: Cold-Blooded Planning, Hatred in Action

According to federal and state prosecutors, Soliman approached the rally wearing an orange construction vest, pretending to be a gardener. Hidden in plain sight, he carried 18 Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower built from a weed sprayer filled with gasoline. Only two of the firebombs were deployed before police tackled him, likely preventing a full-scale massacre.

Before the attack, Soliman doused himself in gasoline, stating later that he intended to die during the attack but panicked. He screamed “Free Palestine” while unleashing flames upon Jewish demonstrators, in what law enforcement is treating as a hate-motivated terror attack.

Who Is Mohamed Sabry Soliman? A Deeper Look

Mohamed Sabry Soliman was born in Egypt and lived in Kuwait for 17 years. In August 2022, he entered the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa, which expired in February 2023. He applied for asylum the month after his arrival and was granted a temporary work permit, which lapsed in March 2025 — two months before the attack.

He moved to the U.S. with his wife and five children, settling in Colorado Springs. His daughter, Habiba Soliman, claimed the family came to the U.S. so she could pursue her education. Soliman worked sporadically as a ride-share driver and briefly as an accountant, but was largely under the radar — no criminal record, no red flags.

However, authorities now believe he was radicalized quietly, collecting online instructions for bomb-making and even attempting to illegally purchase firearms. Denied due to his immigration status, he pivoted to building his own arsenal using gasoline, bottles, and a weed sprayer.

His Family: Now Under Investigation

Shortly after the attack, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Soliman's wife and five children under expedited removal procedures. According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, they are being investigated to determine if they had any knowledge of — or played any role in — the attack.

Soliman insists he acted alone and that his family was unaware of his plans. His wife cooperated with law enforcement, handing over his iPhone, which contained several ominous messages he left behind.

The Legal Fallout

Soliman has been charged with:

• Federal hate crime

• 42 state felony counts, including:

  • Multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder

  • Assault with a deadly weapon

  • Use of explosives and firebombs

He remains in custody on a $10 million cash-only bond and appeared in court via video, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and a bandage on his head — from injuries sustained while being subdued.

If convicted on all charges, Soliman faces a maximum of 624 years in prison.

Political Reactions: Immigration and National Security Under Fire

This incident has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies. President Donald Trump condemned the attack and used it to highlight the dangers of lax asylum enforcement. Colorado Governor Jared Polis also condemned the act, stating that hate has no home in Colorado.

Jewish communities across the country have since ramped up security, especially around synagogues, community centers, and Israeli solidarity events.

Conclusion: This Was Terrorism. Period.

Let’s be clear: this was not a lone mental health crisis. This was a planned, ideological terrorist attack against Jews and Israel supporters — on American soil.

Mohamed Sabry Soliman’s background reveals a man who exploited asylum laws, avoided deportation despite an expired visa, and lived freely while planning the firebombing of Jews at a rally supporting hostages held by Hamas.

This is the very real face of radical anti-Israel hate — violent, premeditated, and deadly.

NEVER AGAIN Is Now

• We urge the U.S. government to take threats against Jewish communities seriously — not just after tragedy strikes.

• We demand zero tolerance for anti-Israel violence masquerading as activism.

• We call on immigration authorities to prioritize national security over political correctness.

• And most importantly — we stand with the victims and say loudly: Am Yisrael Chai.