A man accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at demonstrators attending a march for Israeli hostages in Colorado on Sunday planned the attack for a year, investigators say. Mohammed Sabry Soliman, 45, who is charged with a federal hate crime as well as state charges of attempted murder, assault and use of an explosive device, made a brief appearance in court on Monday. Officials say the Egyptian national targeted a group of pro-Israel protesters at an outdoor mall in Boulder and shouted "Free Palestine" as he threw incendiary devices, injuring eight of them. At least 16 unlit Molotov cocktails were found nearby afterwards. Investigators say he targeted the group after finding them online. It is the latest attack on members of America's Jewish community. The weekly demonstration was organised by Run for Their Lives, which raises awareness about Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Officials say Mr Soliman threw two incendiary devices into the gathering at the Pearl Street Mall, with eight of the victims suffering burns. Twelve people, including four men and four women between the ages of 52 and 88, were taken to the hospital, with injuries ranging from minor to serious. Officials previously said there were eight victims, but on Monday four more came forward with minor injuries. The eldest of the victims is a Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, the Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder, told the BBC's US partner CBS News. The attacked happened on the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. The suspect appeared in court on Monday via a video feed from the Boulder County Jail for less than five minutes, standing and wearing an orange jumpsuit. He answered "yes" to some procedural questions from the judge, but otherwise did not speak. The court scheduled a date for the formal filing of charges this Thursday. Officials said on Monday they believe he acted alone. In an interview after his arrest, Mr Soliman told police he had been planning the attack for a year, to take place after his daughter's high school graduation, according to an arrest warrant affidavit from the FBI. He told police he wanted to "kill all Zionists" and would carry out the attack again, the court documents stated. In addition to the unlit Molotov cocktails, backpack weed sprayer containing octane gasoline was found nearby. Mr Soliman dressed up as a gardener with an orange vest to get as close to the group of people as possible, according to police. Mr Soliman said he had been watching YouTube videos on how to make Molotov cocktails, according to the affidavit. Investigators say he told them he learned to shoot a gun in hope of obtaining a concealed-carry permit, but ended up using Molotov cocktails because his immigration status prevented him from accessing firearms. Mr Soliman drove from his home in Colorado Springs to Boulder, arriving five minutes before their meeting and waiting for the group, according to court documents. He allegedly said he bought petrol on his way to the attack. According to the FBI, throughout the interview, Mr Soliman said he hated Zionists and targeted them because they need to stop taking over "our land", which he said was a reference to the Palestinian territories. Mr Soliman allegedly told officials he left his iPhone hidden in a desk drawer with messages to his family, wife and five children. His wife later brought the iPhone to officials, according to court documents. Law enforcement officials said on Monday there was no previous indication that the defendant was a threat. "We fully intended to hold Mr Soliman accountable for his actions, and these charges are the first step," Acting US Attorney for the District of Colorado J Bishop Grewell told a press conference on Monday. Mr Soliman moved to Colorado Springs three years ago and previously spent 17 years living in Kuwait. In 2022, Mr Soliman arrived in California on a non-immigrant visa that expired in February 2023, multiple sources have told CBS News. Homeland security officials said he filed for asylum a month after arriving, but did not provide details about the outcome of that immigration case or whether it was resolved. President Donald Trump's deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, said on X that Mr Soliman was given a work permit by the Biden administration after he had overstayed his visa. "In light of yesterday's horrific attack, all terrorists, their family members, and terrorist sympathizers here on a visa should know that under the Trump administration we will find you, revoke your visa, and deport you," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X. Mr Soliman has been working as a food delivery driver for Uber since 2023, a company spokesperson told CBS. According to the company, when he began working for them, he met all Uber requirements, including passing a criminal and driving history background check, providing a photo ID and holding a valid Social Security number. Trump said in a social media post that attacks like the one Mr Soliman allegedly carried out would not be tolerated. "This is yet another example of why we must keep our Borders SECURE, and deport Illegal, Anti-American Radicals from our Homeland," he said. The Jewish community in the US has faced a series of attacks by assailants citing the Israel-Gaza war. Last month two Israel Embassy aides were shot and killed outside Washington's Capital Jewish Museum. Witnesses said the assailant shouted "Free Palestine". In April, a man set fire to the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish. The suspect said the arson was retaliation for Israeli attacks on Palestinians.
Suspect in Colorado fire attack planned for a year, FBI says
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Colorado Man Charged with Hate Crimes in Planned Attack on Pro-Israel Demonstrators"
Bbc News
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
Mohammed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, faces multiple charges, including a federal hate crime, for his alleged attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado. Investigators revealed that Soliman had been planning the attack for a year, specifically targeting a group gathered to raise awareness about Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. During the incident, which coincided with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, he threw Molotov cocktails into the crowd, injuring eight individuals, some of whom were hospitalized with serious burns. Evidence of the premeditated nature of the assault was found in the form of at least 16 unlit Molotov cocktails and a backpack sprayer containing octane gasoline. Soliman reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while committing the act and had been inspired by online content demonstrating how to create incendiary devices. He described his motivations to law enforcement, expressing a desire to harm those he perceives as 'Zionists' and stating he would carry out the attack again if given the chance.
Soliman's court appearance was brief, lasting less than five minutes, during which he responded minimally to procedural inquiries. Following his arrest, he indicated that his immigration status had barred him from obtaining firearms, leading him to resort to using Molotov cocktails instead. Law enforcement officials stated that they had no prior indication of Soliman being a threat. His background includes a history of living in Kuwait for 17 years before moving to Colorado Springs three years ago, where he had been working as a food delivery driver since early 2023. The incident is part of a concerning trend of anti-Semitic attacks in the United States, with recent events highlighting the rising violence faced by the Jewish community amid tensions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Authorities and community leaders are now grappling with the implications of such acts of violence and the ongoing threats posed to minority communities in the country.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The incident reported in Colorado raises significant concerns regarding hate crimes and the increasing tensions around geopolitical issues, particularly those concerning Israel and Palestine. The nature of the attack, as described, reflects a troubling trend of violent expressions against specific community groups, which can have broader implications for societal cohesion and safety.
Motivation Behind the Report
The intention behind disseminating such information appears to be to raise awareness about the growing violence against Jewish communities in the U.S. The framing of the suspect as an individual who planned the attack for a year emphasizes premeditation and malice, which could provoke public outrage and a call for stronger measures against hate crimes.
Public Perception
This report aims to shape public perception by illustrating the threat posed by individuals who harbor extremist views. By highlighting the injuries suffered by the victims, including a Holocaust survivor, the narrative seeks to elicit empathy and concern from the broader community, potentially galvanizing support for protective measures.
Omissions and Underlying Issues
While the report is focused on the attack, it may downplay the broader context of escalating tensions in the region and the impact of such ideologies on American soil. Additionally, it does not explore the root causes of the animosity that leads to such violent actions, which could provide a more nuanced understanding of the situation.
Assessment of Manipulative Elements
The article contains elements that could be seen as manipulative, particularly in its portrayal of the suspect and the dramatic details of the attack. The focus on the suspect's background as an Egyptian national might inadvertently reinforce negative stereotypes about Middle Eastern individuals, thereby contributing to broader societal biases.
Truthfulness of the Report
The report seems credible, as it is based on official statements from law enforcement and includes specific details about the incident and the suspect's actions. However, the narrative could benefit from a more balanced perspective that acknowledges the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rather than framing it solely in terms of hate crime.
Comparative Analysis
When placed alongside other reports of hate crimes or violent incidents, this article underscores a pattern of increasing hostility towards minority communities in the U.S. Such connections may reveal a growing need for community dialogue and reconciliation efforts, which can be overlooked when focusing solely on individual incidents.
Potential Societal Impact
The implications of this report extend beyond immediate public safety concerns. It could lead to increased tensions between different community groups and prompt discussions about the need for better education and understanding of cultural differences. Furthermore, it may influence policy discussions regarding hate crimes and community safety measures.
Supportive Communities
This type of news likely resonates more with communities that have been historically marginalized or targeted, such as Jewish advocacy groups. It may also engage individuals who are concerned about the rise of hate crimes in general, regardless of their specific community affiliations.
Economic and Market Considerations
While the article itself might not directly influence stock markets, it could have indirect effects on sectors related to security, law enforcement, and community services. Companies involved in providing security solutions may see increased interest as communities seek to protect themselves from potential threats.
Global Context
The report connects to broader global narratives about nationalism, extremism, and inter-community relations, especially regarding conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian issue. This relevance could prompt further discussion and action on international human rights and the treatment of various communities.
Artificial Intelligence Influence
It is unlikely that AI played a significant role in crafting this specific report, although automated systems may assist in gathering information or formatting stories. If AI were involved, it could potentially influence the tone or focus of the narrative, depending on the algorithms used.
The report seems to reflect a genuine concern for community safety and awareness of hate crimes, but it also raises questions about the portrayal of individuals based on their background and the potential for reinforcing stereotypes. Overall, the trustworthiness of the report hinges on its factual basis, which appears sound, though the underlying motivations and implications warrant careful consideration.