15 Injured in Boulder Molotov Attack — Judge Halts Family’s Deportation

The violent attack in Colorado over the weekend at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall has left the community in shock. The number of victims which was just updated in a bulletin released on Wednesday from 12, is now 15 individuals, ranging in age from 25 to 88, along with a dog. The individuals were injured when 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national residing in Colorado Springs, allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at participants of the “Run for Their Lives” event—a weekly march advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Witnesses reported Soliman shouting “Free Palestine!” and “End Zionist” during the attack.

The Attack

Disguised in an orange vest and carrying flowers, Soliman arrived at the event with 18 Molotov cocktails. He threw two, injuring 15 people and a dog. Among the victims was 88-year-old Holocaust survivor Barbara Steinmetz, who sustained minor burns. Authorities discovered 14 unlit Molotov cocktails, a backpack sprayer filled with gasoline, and a gasoline canister in his vehicle. Soliman confessed to planning the attack for a year, delaying it until after his daughter’s high school graduation. He expressed no remorse, stating he would act again. Video of Soliman expressing his desire for jihad was also discovered:

Islamic extremism researchers have found video of the Boulder Muslim illegal migrant suspect explaining his desire for jihad. The terror attack has been largely ignored by Democrats & leftists because the man’s group identity is what they seek to protect. pic.twitter.com/nyVDtvWF8b

— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) June 4, 2025

Legal Consequences

Soliman faces 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault charges—including against an at-risk victim over 70—and 18 counts related to possessing incendiary devices. Federally, he’s charged with a hate crime tied to “actual or perceived race, religion, or national origin,” carrying a potential life sentence. He appeared via video from Boulder County Jail on June 2, held on a $10 million cash-only bond. A federal court appearance is set for Friday, June 6, at 2:00 PM in Denver.

Community Response

The Boulder community is grappling with the aftermath. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the attack, stating Soliman’s actions do not reflect the views of Americans advocating for Palestinians or Islamic values. The Boulder Jewish Community Center is offering resources, and the “Run for Their Lives” group plans to resume walks with enhanced safety measures. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser highlighted the attack’s profound impact on the Jewish community amid rising harassment since the Israel-Gaza conflict intensified.

Suspect’s Background

Soliman entered the U.S. on August 27, 2022, via Los Angeles International Airport on a B2 tourist visa, valid until February 2, 2023. He applied for asylum on September 9, 2022, and received work authorization on March 29, 2023, valid through March 2024. He remained legally in the U.S. pending his asylum claim. Originally from Egypt, he lived in Kuwait for 17 years before moving to Colorado Springs with his wife and five children three years ago.

Family Faces Deportation

Following the attack, Soliman’s wife and five children were taken into custody for expedited removal. However, on June 4, a federal judge halted their deportation, citing potential irreparable harm and constitutional rights violations. The family, not charged in the attack, is under investigation to determine if they had prior knowledge or involvement. Soliman’s wife holds a pending EB-2 visa, and her cooperation with authorities, including providing his iPhone, is noted.

Broader Implications

The Boulder attack underscores ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and national security. As legal proceedings continue, the incident serves as a focal point for debates on how to balance humanitarian considerations with public safety concerns.