World NewsEgyptian man charged with hate crime after Colorado attack

Egyptian man charged with hate crime after Colorado attack

Mohammed Sabry Soliman is accused of attacking a march in Colorado, where participants were demanding the release of Israeli citizens from the Gaza Strip. He had been planning his actions for a year. Thanks to online videos, he prepared Molotov cocktails. He claimed he wanted "to kill all Zionists."

Attacked with Molotov cocktails at the march.
Attacked with Molotov cocktails at the march.
Images source: © Getty Images, X

Mohammed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old man from Egypt, has been charged with a federal hate crime, attempted murder, and use of explosives. The attack took place during a march in Colorado, where Soliman threw Molotov cocktails at the participants of the event, reports BBC.

According to investigators, Soliman planned the attack for a year, waiting for his daughter to finish school. During interrogation, he admitted that he wanted to "kill all Zionists" and did not rule out conducting another attack. He claims Zionists want to take over Palestinian lands, which is why he doesn't feel any sympathy for them.

During the attack, which took place in Boulder, the victims included, among others, a Holocaust survivor. Twelve people, including four men and four women aged 52 to 88, were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from minor to serious.

Shouting "free Palestine," Soliman threw two Molotov cocktails at the crowd. He admitted that he learned how to make Molotov cocktails from YouTube videos, adds the British newspaper. Near the site of the attack, 16 unexploded cocktails were found, as well as a backpack with gasoline. The attack could have had more serious consequences. Soliman learned to shoot but was not granted a gun permit due to his immigrant status.

Authorities emphasize that there were no prior signals of a threat from Soliman. "We intend to hold Soliman accountable for his actions," said J. Bishop Grewell, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, as quoted by BBC.

Donald Trump commented on the attack in Colorado. He stated online that such attacks will not be tolerated and that it is an example of why we need to "deport illegal, anti-American radicals."

The demonstration he decided to attack was organized by Run for Their Lives, an organization aimed at raising awareness about Israeli hostages still held in the Gaza Strip.

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