**Colorado Fire-Attack Suspect Planned Attack for a Whole Year**
A 45-year-old man, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, has been charged with federal hate crimes and state charges of attempted murder and assault. He is accused of hurling incendiary devices at a group of pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, while shouting “Free Palestine”. The attack injured eight people, four men, and four women, ranging in age from 52 to 88.
**Background on the Attack**
The victims were attending a weekly event organized by Run for Their Lives, a group that raises awareness about Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The event was held at Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. Soliman allegedly found the group online and planned the attack for over a year, waiting until after his daughter’s graduation to carry it out.
**Details of the Attack**
According to court documents, Soliman drove from Colorado Springs to Boulder, waited five minutes for the meeting, and then hurled incendiary devices at the group. A backpack weed sprayer with octane gas was also found nearby. Soliman claimed that he had watched YouTube videos on making Molotov Cocktails and had purchased petrol before the attack.
**Motivation Behind the Attack**
Soliman told officials that he hated Zionists, who he believed were taking over “our land”, a reference to the Palestinian territories. He stated that he targeted the group because they were pro-Israel and therefore enemies of the Palestinian cause.
**Reaction from Law Enforcement**
Acting US Attorney J Bishop Grewell stated that the charges against Soliman are the first step in holding him responsible for his actions. Boulder Police Department officials also commented, saying that there had been no indications that Soliman was a danger before the attack.
**New Information on the Suspect**
Soliman is alleged to have worked as a food-delivery driver for Uber since 2023. According to the company, he met all Uber requirements, including passing a criminal and driving history background check. His wife brought his iPhone to officials after his arrest, which contained messages for her and their five children.
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