Mohamed Sabry Soliman Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crimes in Deadly Colorado Anti-Israel Rally Attack
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 47-year-old Egyptian national responsible for a gasoline bomb attack at a pro-Israel rally in Colorado last year, has pleaded guilty to federal hate-crime charges. The attack injured several people, including an elderly woman who later died from her injuries. According to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Soliman admitted that he targeted the gathering because of the victims’ actual or perceived Jewish religion and Israeli national origin.
Soliman had previously pleaded guilty in May to more than 100 state-level charges, including first-degree murder, and is already serving a life sentence. His latest guilty plea addresses the federal hate-crime charges connected to the same incident.
The attack took place on June 1, 2025, during a rally in downtown Boulder organised in solidarity with hostages abducted by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, assault on Israeli communities. Soliman threw two Molotov cocktails, or gasoline-filled incendiary bombs, at the demonstrators outside a municipal courthouse near the popular Pearl Street shopping district. Prosecutors stated that he shouted "Free Palestine" as the devices exploded and set people on fire.
Colorado authorities identified 29 victims in connection with the incident. Fourteen people suffered burns or other injuries, including those hurt while attempting to escape, while another 15 were considered potential targets of attempted murder because of their proximity to the attack. Among the victims was 82-year-old Karen Diamond, who died from her injuries later that month. Her husband also suffered severe burns but survived.
During his earlier state-court proceedings, Soliman condemned his actions, describing them as contrary to the teachings of Islam. He denied harbouring hatred towards Jewish people and expressed concern about families who had lost loved ones in Palestine and Gaza. He also stated that his opposition was directed towards Zionism.
The federal guilty plea marks another legal development in a case that resulted in multiple injuries and the death of an elderly victim. The Department of Justice maintained that the attack was motivated by hostility towards the targeted group, making it a federal hate crime. The case highlights the serious consequences of politically and ideologically motivated violence, particularly when peaceful public gatherings become targets of deliberate attacks.
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