Boulder Firebombing: Suspect Charged with Hate Crime, Attempted Murder in Attack on Jewish Gathering

BOULDER, COLO. — A man stands accused of federal hate crimes and multiple counts of attempted murder following a firebombing attack on a peaceful Jewish demonstration in a park here on Sunday, June 1st. Authorities have identified the suspect as Muhammad Sabry Solomon, a 45-year-old Egyptian citizen reportedly residing in the United States illegally.

Solomon faces a federal hate crime charge and 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder in connection with the assault. According to investigators, Solomon allegedly disguised himself as a gardener before approaching a crowd gathered for a weekly event honoring Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Officials state that Solomon then shouted “Free Palestine!” and threw Molotov cocktails into the assembly.

Details of the Attack and Casualties

The attack resulted in injuries to at least 12 people, some of whom sustained critical burn injuries. The victims ranged in age from 52 to 88 years old, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, highlighting the vulnerability of those targeted. The suddenness and violence of the assault caused panic and trauma among the attendees.

Authorities allege that Solomon arrived at the scene equipped with 18 Molotov cocktails but only managed to deploy two before the attack was thwarted or he ceased his actions. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and drawn national attention to potential domestic extremism targeting religious groups.

Investigation, Charges, and Legal Status

Officials stated that Solomon confessed to the attack during questioning. He allegedly told investigators that he had been planning the assault for over a year, reportedly timing the execution of his plan to occur after his daughter’s high school graduation. The extensive planning and the nature of the target underscore the severity of the charges.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched its own inquiry into the incident, investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. The combination of hate crime charges, attempted murder counts, and a potential terrorism designation reflects the grave view law enforcement and prosecutors are taking regarding the alleged motive and impact of the attack.

Solomon’s bail has been set at $10 million. His legal status as a reportedly undocumented immigrant has also led to actions concerning his family. According to reports, his wife and five children have been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for expedited deportation proceedings.

Community Impact and Response

The targeted demonstration was a peaceful assembly dedicated to raising awareness and showing solidarity with families of individuals held captive in Gaza. The attack on this specific group underscores concerns about rising anti-Semitic sentiment and politically motivated violence.

The Boulder community, known for its generally peaceful environment, has reacted with dismay and condemnation of the violence. Religious and community leaders have called for unity and a rejection of hate and intolerance.

In Other News: Global and National Developments

In other significant news developments occurring around the same period:

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia saw intensification, particularly with Ukraine launching drone attacks on Russian air bases. These strikes reportedly caused substantial damage, with estimates suggesting around 40 warplanes were damaged or destroyed, resulting in an estimated $7 billion in damages. Russia retaliated with large aerial attacks on Ukraine, including a strike on a military training base that tragically resulted in 12 deaths and 60 injuries.

Attempts at de-escalation continued, with peace talks held in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 2nd and again on June 3rd. However, these discussions ended quickly, with low expectations for significant progress, although Ukraine is reportedly preparing for a prisoner release.

Domestically, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling on Friday that temporarily permits the Trump administration to strip legal protections for approximately 500,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The ruling’s temporary nature means it remains pending lower court considerations, leaving the status of these individuals uncertain.

Additionally, significant natural events and security concerns captured headlines. A massive eruption occurred at Mount Etna in Sicily, prompting monitoring by volcanologists. Separately, two Chinese nationals were charged in the United States with smuggling a dangerous fungus pathogen into the country, highlighting ongoing efforts to prevent the introduction of biological threats.