Colorado Suspect in Boulder Antisemitic Firebombing to Appear in Federal Court Friday Amid Growing Community Concerns
The man accused of launching a violent antisemitic assault in Boulder, Colorado, is expected to make his first appearance in federal court on Friday—just one day after prosecutors filed 28 counts of attempted murder against him for a disturbing firebombing incident that has deeply shaken the local Jewish community.
Mohamed Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, is alleged to have attacked participants at a downtown gathering organized to show solidarity with Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Authorities say Soliman used a makeshift flamethrower along with Molotov cocktails to target the crowd, attempting to set individuals on fire in what officials have described as a premeditated act of hate.
The assault took place on the eve of Shavuot, an important Jewish holiday, heightening its emotional and religious impact. The timing also followed closely on the heels of another antisemitic attack in Washington, DC, where two Israeli Embassy employees were shot and killed—further intensifying fear and insecurity within Jewish and Israeli communities across the U.S.
Federal authorities have now charged Soliman with a hate crime related to the Boulder incident. If convicted, he could face a life sentence, according to Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, J. Bishop Grewell.
In a public alert issued Thursday, both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security underscored mounting concerns about threats facing Jewish and Israeli communities. The agencies warned of “potential public safety concerns related to ongoing threats” in the wake of rising antisemitic violence nationwide.
Soliman’s alleged actions—and the brutal nature of the attack—have triggered widespread condemnation and renewed calls for increased protection at Jewish institutions and public events.
Suspect Faces 118 State Charges in Boulder Firebombing; Victims Include Holocaust Survivor and Elderly Attendees
Mohamed Soliman, the man accused in the recent antisemitic firebombing attack in Boulder, appeared virtually in a Colorado courtroom on Thursday to face a sweeping list of state-level charges.
According to filings with the Boulder District Court, Soliman is now facing 118 separate criminal charges. These include 28 counts of first-degree attempted murder, along with additional charges of felony assault, possession and use of incendiary devices, and a single count of animal cruelty.
CNN has contacted Soliman’s defense attorney but has not yet received a response regarding the case or the charges.
Of the 118 charges, 62 are directly tied to victims of the attack. If convicted on those charges alone, Soliman could face a sentence of up to 48 years for each individual victim, according to Michael Dougherty, District Attorney for Colorado’s 20th Judicial District.
The violent attack left at least 15 people injured, including a Holocaust survivor, and also harmed a dog present at the event. The victims, according to the FBI, were a diverse group—eight women and seven men—ranging in age from 25 to 88 years old. Several individuals suffered serious burn injuries due to the use of Molotov cocktails and a homemade flamethrower.
As of Thursday, three of the injured victims remained hospitalized and under medical care, Dougherty confirmed.
Soliman is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing related to the state charges on July 15.
Authorities Examine Suspect’s Writings and Videos Amid Hate Crime Investigation
A source familiar with the case told CNN that investigators are now exploring whether Soliman may have underlying mental health conditions that could have played a role in the attack.
Law enforcement officials have also recovered a notebook believed to belong to Soliman, which they say contains a manifesto written primarily in English, with some sections in Arabic. The source indicated that Soliman personally directed police to the notebook’s location after his arrest.
In addition to the writings, authorities are analyzing several videos found on Soliman’s mobile phone. In the recordings, he reportedly speaks in both English and Arabic. One particular video, now circulating on social media, appears to show Soliman speaking Arabic while driving.
However, CNN has not independently verified the authenticity of that video.
Officials Warn of Heightened Threats Against Jewish and Israeli Communities
The Boulder firebombing is the latest in a series of disturbing incidents that have intensified anxiety within Jewish communities across the United States.
In a public safety bulletin, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cautioned that ongoing tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict could inspire other extremists and hate-driven attackers to target Jewish individuals, Israeli communities, or their allies.
“The continuing conflict may serve as motivation for violent extremists or perpetrators of hate crimes to launch attacks against Jewish and Israeli populations, as well as their supporters,” the agencies said in their announcement.
They also warned that international terrorist organizations might attempt to manipulate the conflict’s narrative in order to incite acts of violence within the U.S.
Both agencies urged Americans to stay alert, remain aware of potential threats, and report any suspicious behavior or signs of violence to local law enforcement.
On Wednesday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett, and a coalition of interfaith leaders came together in a public show of solidarity, denouncing the Boulder attack and calling for peace and mutual support.
To move forward, we must unite around our shared humanity, support one another, and build stronger, more peaceful communities.”