Accused Colorado firebomber pleads not guilty to hate crimes at demonstration for Israeli hostages
Share this @internewscast.com

A man facing allegations of throwing Molotov cocktails at demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, who were rallying for Israeli hostages, entered a not guilty plea to federal hate crime charges on Friday.

Mohamed Sabry Soliman was charged earlier this week with 12 hate crime offenses related to the June 1 incident. He is accused of attempting to kill eight individuals who were injured by the Molotov cocktails, along with others in the vicinity.

Soliman’s attorney, David Kraut, entered the not guilty plea on Soliman’s behalf during a quick hearing.

Magistrate Judge Kathryn Starnella noted that lawyers had acknowledged that a plea agreement in the case was possible later.

Soliman, dressed in a khaki prison outfit, entered the courtroom with a smile, clutching an envelope in his cuffed hands. His right hand and arm were heavily bandaged, a result of burns sustained while allegedly throwing the second of two Molotov cocktails at the group, as revealed by an investigator’s testimony last week.

He listened to a translation of the hearing provided by an Arabic interpreter through headphones. He did not speak during the hearing.

Investigators say Soliman told them he intended to kill the roughly 20 participants at the weekly demonstration on Boulder’s Pearl Street pedestrian mall. But he threw just two of his over two dozen Molotov cocktails while yelling “Free Palestine.”

Soliman, who is also being prosecuted in state court for attempted murder and other charges, told investigators he tried to buy a gun but was not able to because he was not a “legal citizen.”

He posed as a gardener, wearing a construction vest, to get close to the group before launching the attack, according to court documents. He was also indicted for using fire and an explosive to attack the group and for carrying an explosive, which were included in the hate crime counts.

Federal authorities say Soliman, an Egyptian national, has been living in the U.S. illegally with his family.

Soliman is being represented in state and federal court by public defenders who do not comment on their cases to the media.

Prosecutors say the victims were targeted because of their perceived or actual national origin.

At a hearing last week, Kraut, Soliman’s defense attorney, urged Starnella not to allow the case to move forward. Kraut said the alleged attack was not a hate crime. He said it was motivated by opposition to Zionism, the movement to establish and sustain a Jewish state in Israel.

An attack motivated by someone’s political views is not considered a hate crime under federal law.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Beach bliss turns chaotic as shark lunges at snorkeler: 'He could have ripped my arm off'

Heart-Stopping Beach Drama: Snorkeler’s Narrow Escape from Shark Attack

A Florida resident is currently on the mend following a shark attack…
Biden-Appointed Judge Shows Bias in Ruling on DOJ Investigation of 'Transgender Care' Doctors

Judge Appointed by Biden Demonstrates Partiality in Decision on DOJ Probe of Doctors Providing Transgender Care

In a notable case this week, a district court judge reviewed legal…
Patients go without needed treatment after the government shutdown disrupts a telehealth program

Government Shutdown Halts Telehealth Services, Leaving Patients Without Essential Care

MINOOKA, Ill. (AP) — Bill Swick is living with a rare degenerative…
Harvard hosts panel on bridging political divide featuring only Democrats, NAACP president

Harvard Hosts Panel on Political Unity, Showcasing Democrat Leaders and NAACP President

This article is a segment of Fox News Digital’s investigative series, Campus…
Mike Bloomberg Reaffirms Support for Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Race

Mike Bloomberg Backs Cuomo: A Power Move in the NYC Mayoral Race

Billionaire and media mogul Michael Bloomberg has once again thrown his support…
Illegal immigrant allegedly kills county board member and wife in fatal DUI crash: DHS

Tragic DUI Crash: Illegal Immigrant Accused in Fatal Collision with County Board Member and Spouse – DHS Report

Two undocumented immigrants now face charges following a tragic accident that resulted…
Luigi Mangione gains prominence at federal jail where guards like him and inmates dub him 'ambassador': report

Meet Luigi Mangione: The ‘Ambassador’ Changing the Game at Federal Jail

Luigi Mangione, the accused assassin of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, has gained notable recognition…
Chase involving Border Patrol results in crashes, ends in arrests at Warren Township High School's O'Plaine Campus: Gurnee police

High-Speed Border Patrol Chase Culminates in Arrests at Warren Township High School: A Gurnee Police Report

In a dramatic turn of events in Gurnee, Illinois, a high-speed chase…
'Choose Wisely...': White House Dishing Out Treats With Hilarious Halloween Memes Aimed at Dems

White House Unleashes Hilarious Halloween Memes Targeting Democrats: A Treat You Can’t Miss!

President Donald Trump appears to be embracing the Halloween spirit with a…
Hurricane Melissa: Haiti, Jamaica and Cuba pick up the pieces after storm's destruction

Hurricane Melissa’s Aftermath: Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba Begin Recovery Efforts Following Devastating Impact

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, people throughout the northern Caribbean were…
Daughter of Kentucky sheriff accused of gunning down judge slams online ‘gossip’ about dad

Kentucky Sheriff’s Daughter Defends Father Amidst Controversy Over Judge Shooting Allegations

An 18-year-old from Kentucky is speaking out against online speculation surrounding her…
Phony Hollywood producer gets 146 years for overdose murders, rape

Hollywood Producer Impersonator Sentenced to 146 Years for Overdose-Related Murders and Sexual Assault

David Brian Pearce, a Los Angeles resident who falsely presented himself as…