Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Boulder Antisemitic Firebombing

UPDATE: Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the man accused of a deadly antisemitic firebombing at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado, has pleaded not guilty to over 100 criminal charges in Boulder County District Court. The incident, which occurred on June 1, 2023, resulted in the death of 82-year-old Karen Diamond and left 14 others injured, causing widespread shock and outrage.

In a court appearance on Wednesday, Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian immigrant living in the U.S. illegally, faces a staggering 118 charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and numerous counts related to attempted murder and assault. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Diamond succumbed to third-degree burns and complications resulting from the attack.

Witnesses reported seeing Soliman throwing Molotov cocktails at a peaceful demonstration where participants were urging the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Authorities state that Soliman launched the attack as an act of vengeance, claiming that the demonstrators were indifferent to the suffering of Palestinians. In an alarming confession, he expressed a desire to “kill all Zionist people.”

The breadth of Soliman’s charges is staggering: he faces 28 counts of attempted first-degree murder, 25 counts of first-degree assault, and multiple counts related to the use of explosive devices. Additionally, he is under federal investigation for hate crimes. His bail is set at $10 million, but he remains in federal custody, according to online records.

Soliman’s violent plans reportedly spanned over a year. Initially, he intended to execute a mass shooting against the demonstration participants. However, unable to purchase a firearm due to his immigration status, he devised Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower to carry out his attack.

This horrific incident has shaken the Boulder community. The city has been grappling with the implications of this act of terrorism, prompting local officials and community leaders to address the rise of antisemitism. The Boulder City Council has held discussions on the matter, emphasizing the need for solidarity and healing in the aftermath of the attack.

Soliman’s family has also been affected; his wife, Hayam El Gamal, and their five children were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shortly after the attack. Although there were plans for their deportation, a judge intervened in July, blocking the action.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains on edge, and the nation watches closely. The next court hearing is anticipated with great interest, as it could reveal further details about Soliman’s motivations and the broader implications of this tragic event. Community vigils and discussions continue, as residents come together to stand against hate and violence.

For updates on this developing story, stay tuned as more information becomes available.