The recent hate-fueled terror attack in Boulder, Colorado has shocked the nation. The perpetrator, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national and father of five, meticulously planned his heinous act for over a year. Disguised as a landscaper, Soliman used a garden hose filled with gasoline to spray flames at his victims in a calculated and vicious assault.
Soliman, who had been living in the US illegally after overstaying his visa, targeted a peaceful group called Run for Their Lives in downtown Boulder. This group was dedicated to honoring Israelis still held hostage by Hamas. In a twisted display of hate, Soliman saw this group as a threat to Palestinian territory and felt compelled to stop them at any cost.
Armed with homemade Molotov cocktails, Soliman unleashed his attack on a Sunday afternoon when the group gathered. He shouted “free Palestine” as he attempted to set his victims on fire, showing no regard for the innocent lives he was endangering. The attack left 12 people injured, one critically.
During his arrest, Soliman expressed his desire to kill Jews and stated that he would launch the attack again if given the chance. His actions were fueled by a deep-seated hatred and extremism that has no place in our society.
The White House condemned the attack as an antisemitic terror act, and the FBI is treating it as a targeted act of terrorism. Despite the horrific nature of the incident, Boulder’s Police Chief Stephen Redfearn urged unity in the face of adversity, emphasizing the need for a non-divisive response.
Soliman’s immigration history reveals a troubling pattern of deception and manipulation. He entered the US on a temporary visa in 2022 but overstayed his welcome. Despite applying for asylum and a work visa, his requests were pending or had expired at the time of the attack.
The aftermath of Soliman’s terror attack serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of extremism and hate. It is imperative that we come together as a community to denounce such acts of violence and work towards a more inclusive and understanding society.
