BOULDER, Colo. — A defendant accused of launching a deadly firebomb assault during a pro-Israeli hostage demonstration in Boulder, Colorado last year is expected to enter a guilty plea Thursday on murder and additional charges.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman could receive a life sentence without parole for the June 1st attack in Boulder’s downtown area.
Court documents in a connected federal case show Soliman’s legal team disclosed his intention to admit guilt. He was scheduled to appear Thursday before state District Judge Nancy Salomone to enter his plea.
While facing hate crime allegations in federal court, Soliman has entered a not guilty plea there, and his attorneys report prosecutors are considering pursuing capital punishment in that case.
Originally, Soliman denied guilt in state court on murder charges along with numerous counts of attempted murder and assault for hurling two Molotov cocktails at protesters gathered at a pedestrian shopping area in Boulder, a community of 100,000 residents located northwest of Denver and home to the University of Colorado.
An elderly woman, age 82, who sustained injuries during the incident subsequently passed away. Twelve additional individuals were also hurt.
Federal authorities identify Soliman as an Egyptian citizen residing unlawfully in the United States. Law enforcement officials claim he spent a year preparing the assault, motivated by his goal “to kill all Zionist people.”
Boulder Mayor Pro Tem Tara Winer described the incident as horrific and noted that victims included close friends.
At the time of the assault, Soliman resided with his family in a two-bedroom residence in Colorado Springs, located approximately 97 miles away. He had relocated to America from Kuwait in 2022 alongside his wife and five children, supporting himself through various low-wage employment.
The couple’s marriage ended in divorce this past April.
Law enforcement alleges Soliman admitted his plan to kill approximately 20 people participating in the regular demonstration at Boulder’s Pearl Street pedestrian mall. He launched two of the more than 24 Molotov cocktails he carried while shouting “Free Palestine!”
Federal prosecutors claim the victims were chosen based on their perceived or real ties to Israel. Soliman’s federal defense team contends he shouldn’t face hate crime charges since his actions stemmed from opposition to Zionism, the political ideology supporting the establishment and maintenance of a Jewish homeland in Israel.
Under federal law, attacks driven by political motivations do not qualify as hate crimes.
