Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Boulder Antisemitic Firebombing

UPDATE: The man accused of a deadly antisemitic firebombing in Boulder, Colorado, has pleaded not guilty to over 100 criminal charges. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian immigrant, appeared in Boulder County District Court on Wednesday, facing 118 charges that include two counts of first-degree murder.

This urgent case stems from the horrific firebombing on June 1, 2023, at the Pearl Street Mall, which resulted in the death of 82-year-old Karen Diamond and left 14 others injured. Witnesses described a chaotic scene where Soliman threw Molotov cocktails at individuals participating in a demonstration for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Reports indicate that Soliman’s motive was rooted in a desire for revenge against the demonstrators, whom he believed did not care about Palestinian suffering.

The Boulder County Coroner’s Office confirmed Diamond died on June 25 from severe burns and complications resulting from the attack. Initially, officials reported 15 individuals injured, but further investigations identified an additional 14 victims who were either physically hurt or affected by the incident while fleeing.

In addition to the murder charges, Soliman faces numerous counts that include 28 counts of attempted first-degree murder, 25 counts of first-degree assault, and a dozen federal hate crime charges. His bail is set at $10 million, but he remains in federal custody. Officials report that Soliman overstayed his tourist visa and was living in the U.S. illegally.

Soliman’s attack was premeditated; authorities revealed he had been planning it for over a year, initially intending to execute a mass shooting. When he could not acquire a firearm due to his immigration status, he resorted to using Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower constructed from a weed sprayer.

The incident has sparked outrage and prompted discussions on antisemitism within the community. Officials, including the Department of Homeland Security, have stated that Soliman’s family, including his wife, Hayam El Gamal, and their five children, were detained by immigration agents shortly after the attack. A deportation order was later blocked by a judge.

As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about safety, immigration, and hate crimes in the U.S. The next court appearance for Soliman is anticipated with high public interest, as the community seeks justice for the victims affected by this devastating attack.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.