A man recently pled not guilty to federal hate crime charges after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at a group demonstrating in Boulder, Colorado, for Israeli hostages.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman was charged with 12 counts of hate crimes related to the June 1 incident, where he purportedly attempted to kill eight individuals who were either injured by the cocktails or nearby.
His attorney, David Kraut, entered the plea on Soliman’s behalf during a brief court session.
During the hearing, Magistrate Judge Kathryn Stahnera mentioned that a possible judicial agreement could be reached later.
Soliman, appearing in a khaki prison jumpsuit, smiled as he entered the courtroom, holding an envelope with his hands cuffed. His right arm was heavily bandaged, as he shared that he burned himself while throwing a second Molotov cocktail into the crowd.
He used headphones to hear the Arabic interpretation of the proceedings but remained silent throughout the hearing.
Investigators claim Soliman expressed intent to kill approximately 20 people at a weekly protest on Pearl Street. He reportedly hurled two of over two dozen Molotov cocktails while shouting “Free Palestine.”
In addition to federal charges, Soliman faces attempted murder and other allegations in state court. He mentioned trying to purchase a firearm from an investigator but was unable to do so due to his legal status.
Court documents indicate he disguised himself as a gardener in a construction vest to approach the demonstration before executing the assault. He was also charged with using explosive devices and carrying explosives, which contributed to the hate crime counts.
Federal authorities report that Soliman, an Egyptian national, is living in the U.S. illegally with his family.
Represented by public defense lawyers in both state and federal jurisdictions, they have not commented on the situation with the media.
Prosecutors allege that the attack was aimed at the victims based on their perceived or actual nationality.
At a recent hearing, Soliman’s defense lawyer Kraut urged Judge Stahnera to dismiss the case, claiming the incident was driven by opposition to Zionism, rather than a hate crime. Under federal law, attacks spurred by political viewpoints do not qualify as hate crimes.
