Mohamed Soliman, the Egyptian national accused of throwing firebombs at a pro-Israeli rally in Colorado, was formally charged Thursday in state court with 28 counts of attempted murder and more than 100 other offenses.
The 45-year-old suspect could face over 600 years in prison if convicted on state charges, prosecutors said. He also faces federal hate crime charges that carry a possible life sentence. Soliman is accused of hurling Molotov cocktails and shouting “Free Palestine” during a Sunday walk organized by Run for Their Lives, a group raising awareness of hostages taken during Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel.
In total, Soliman faces 118 state charges, including assault, use of incendiary devices, and animal cruelty for injuring a dog. Authorities said 15 people were targeted in the attack, 10 of whom were injured. Three remain hospitalized.
Soliman appeared in a Boulder County courtroom wearing orange prison clothing and shackled at the hands and feet. Judge Nancy Woodruff Salomone confirmed his next court date for July 15. He did not enter a plea.
Soliman entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2022 and had overstayed both the visa and a now-expired work permit, officials said. His wife and five children were taken into immigration custody on Tuesday, but a judge temporarily halted their deportation.
The Boulder public defender’s office, listed as representing Soliman, declined to comment.
Community Vows to Continue
Despite the attack, Run for Their Lives said it would press on. Shira Weiss, the group’s global coordinator, said 80% of its 230 chapters plan to resume weekly walks this weekend, including in Boulder on Sunday. The walk will coincide with the city’s 30th annual Jewish festival, which will proceed under heightened security.
Weiss said the attack led to a surge in support, with 20 new chapters inquiring about starting and many existing ones reporting increased participation.
“This is so sad,” she said. “We were just trying to do something positive.”
Denver chapter organizer Maya Bajayo said all 50 members of her group plan to join Sunday’s walk in Boulder.
