BOULDER, Colo. — Boulder Molotov attack: The man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder on Sunday, injuring 12 people, had previously attempted to purchase a handgun but was denied, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Gun Purchase and Concealed Carry Permit Denied
Mohamed Soliman, the 42-year-old suspect, tried to buy a handgun on November 22, 2024, but was denied after a background check conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The specific reason for the denial has not been disclosed, and Soliman did not appeal the decision, CBI officials said.
A little over a month later, on December 30, 2024, Soliman was also denied a concealed handgun permit.
According to court documents, Soliman later told investigators that he had taken a concealed carry class to learn how to use a firearm, but resorted to Molotov cocktails for the attack after being unable to legally obtain a gun due to his immigration status.
Attack Details and Federal Charges
Soliman was arrested Sunday after allegedly throwing incendiary devices at a group advocating for the release of hostages in Gaza. Court documents state that he told police he had planned the attack for a year and waited until after his daughter’s high school graduation on Thursday to carry it out.
When apprehended, 16 unused Molotov cocktails were found within arm’s reach, according to the FBI.
Soliman is now facing a federal hate crime charge, along with multiple state charges, including 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder. He appeared virtually in court on Monday and has not yet entered a plea.
Boulder Molotov Attack: Motivation and Ideology
In police interviews, Soliman allegedly expressed extreme anti-Zionist views, stating he “wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead.” He emphasized that his actions were politically motivated, claiming the attack was directed at Zionists, not the broader Jewish community.
Immigration Status and Family Custody
Soliman, originally from Egypt, lived in Kuwait for 17 years before relocating to Colorado Springs three years ago. Authorities say he entered the U.S. on a tourist visa that has since expired, along with his work permit, which lapsed in March.
His wife and five children are currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are undergoing expedited removal proceedings, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed.
