Boulder Molotov Bombing Case: Preliminary Hearing Update

Federal authorities provided testimony during a preliminary hearing concerning Mohamed Sabri Soliman, a 45-year-old man from Egypt charged in a Boulder, Colorado, Molotov cocktail attack. In a rather alarming revelation, it was noted that Soliman used Israeli flags to identify his targets. Additionally, the year “1187,” which is associated with the Muslim liberation of Jerusalem, was found written on articles inside his vehicle.

Soliman faces multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder, along with charges connected to the use of a Molotov cocktail during the incident on June 1, which resulted in injuries to 12 individuals. He is also charged with hate crimes related to perceived race, religion, or national origin.

In court, prosecutor Melissa Hindman presented various pieces of evidence pointing to the hate crime allegations, emphasizing that Soliman explicitly targeted individuals based on their association with Zionism. She explained that he identified these individuals as occupying forces in Israel and Jerusalem.

FBI Special Agent Timothy Chang, who questioned Soliman, stated that he considered anyone associated with Zionism as a potential target, asserting that Soliman intended to cause harm to them. Evidence collected from Soliman’s vehicle suggests he had researched Zionist events online and had deliberately sought out opportunities to strike.

Following the attack, Soliman reportedly explained to investigators that he utilized Israeli flags to differentiate his targets.

In a particularly complex discussion, Soliman’s defense attorney, David Kraut, argued that the distinction Soliman made between Zionists and Jewish individuals could imply other significant interpretations regarding the year “1187.” Magistrate Judge Kathryn Stahnera raised questions about how to define Zionism, its motivations, and its implications regarding national origin.

While Hindman noted that this issue is quite complicated, she maintained that Soliman’s rhetoric indicated a clear intent to harm those he associated with Israel. Kraut contended that the focus should not be on the victims’ national origins.

Interestingly, during his testimony, Soliman appeared somewhat agitated, looking around the room. Though cameras were not permitted in the court, there were reports of him sporting a cast on his arm. Following a break, Judge Starnella indicated that, despite the complexities, there seemed to be sufficient grounds to move forward with the case, emphasizing that the final decision would be left to the judge.

The court is scheduled to reconvene on June 27 for further proceedings, but as of now, Soliman has not yet been formally charged with the new offenses.