The individual accused of setting off explosives at a rally supporting Israel explained he resorted to homemade bombs after being unable to legally buy a gun due to his immigration status.
The Boulder Police Department’s affidavit reveals that Mohamed Sabry Soliman, age 45, mentioned to investigators that he attended a concealed carry course intending to purchase a firearm. However, he was prevented from doing so because he lacks U.S. citizenship.
“He stated he attempted to acquire a gun but turned to using Molotov cocktails after realizing he couldn’t make the purchase as he was not a legal citizen,” said acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell for Colorado during a press briefing on Monday.
With access to guns restricted, the Egyptian national revealed to authorities that he turned to YouTube to learn how to construct homemade firebombs.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman is facing multiple charges following the incident in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, June 1. (Boulder Police Department)
In his interview with law enforcement, Soliman said he bore no remorse for his actions and reiterated his intent to carry them out again if given the opportunity.
The affidavit noted that Soliman left behind an iPhone and a journal at his Colorado Springs home, detailing his motivations and preparations for the attack.
Now facing a litany of charges – including multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and possession of incendiary devices – Soliman is being held on a $10 million bond.
Dougherty outlined the severe potential penalties facing Soliman if convicted on all charges related to the June 1 attack. He faces 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder – eight for attempted murder with intent and deliberation, and eight for attempted murder with extreme indifference.
If convicted and the sentences are ordered to run consecutively, he could face a maximum of 384 years in state prison for those charges alone. In addition, Soliman is charged with two counts of use of an incendiary device, which could add up to 48 years if served consecutively.
Anti-bomb robotics are put into place following an incident involving multiple injuries that the FBI is investigating as an act of terror on June 1, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado. (Chet Strange/Getty Images)
He also faces 16 counts of attempted use of an incendiary device, carrying a potential additional 192 years. In total, the maximum possible sentence could reach 624 years if all convictions are handed down and run consecutively.
Along with charges on the state level, he has also been federally charged with a hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion or national origin.
“No one should ever be subjected to violence of any kind. But our laws recognize that such violence is particularly pernicious when someone is targeted because of their race, their religion, or their national origin,” Grewell said. “According to our complaint and the charges brought by D.A. Dougherty’s office, Mr. Soliman stated that he had been planning this attack for a year, and he acted because he hated what he called the ‘Zionist group.’”
His next court appearance, for filing charges, will be Thursday, June 5 at 3:30 p.m. MT.
Fox News Digital’s Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.
