FBI Investigates Boulder Attack as Terrorism; Suspect Mohamed Soliman Charged with Hate Crimes - PRESS AI WORLD
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FBI Investigates Boulder Attack as Terrorism; Suspect Mohamed Soliman Charged with Hate Crimes

Credited from: CHANNELNEWSASIA

  • Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, attacked protesters in Boulder, using incendiary devices and shouting "Free Palestine."
  • The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, with Soliman charged with a federal hate crime.
  • Eight to twelve victims were injured, with their ages ranging from 52 to 88 years old.
  • Authorities found multiple unlit Molotov cocktails and confirmed Soliman planned the attack for over a year.
  • Soliman's family has been detained by immigration authorities as investigations continue.

In Boulder, Colorado, a targeted attack on pro-Israel demonstrators by 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman has left multiple individuals injured with authorities labeling it a "targeted terror attack." Witnesses reported Soliman used a makeshift flamethrower and threw incendiary devices at those gathered for a demonstration calling attention to Israeli hostages held in Gaza, reportedly shouting "Free Palestine" during the incident. The FBI is actively investigating the attack as an act of terrorism, emphasizing its connection to rising antisemitism in the United States, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

Authorities have confirmed that Soliman faces severe charges, including a federal hate crime as well as state charges of attempted murder, stemming from an assault that injured numerous participants at the event organized by the nonprofit group "Run For Their Lives." Initial reports indicated six people were injured, but subsequent evaluations brought the total to as many as twelve, highlighting the severity of the attack and the injuries reported, as detailed by NY Times and Le Monde.

Soliman's actions are particularly alarming given that he had allegedly been planning the attack for over a year. The FBI also indicated that officials discovered several unlit Molotov cocktails, confirming the intent behind his actions, as outlined in reports from BBC and LA Times.

In a contentious and dangerous context, the incident has sparked heightened discussions around antisemitism in America, particularly following the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, which appears to have escalated hate crimes against Jewish communities nationwide. Notably, the attack occurred shortly after a man was charged with fatally shooting two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., solidifying concerns regarding the safety of Jewish Americans amidst these turbulent times, according to sources including ABC News and HuffPost.

In the aftermath, Soliman's family has been detained by federal immigration authorities amid questions about the family's knowledge of his plans. Soliman himself, who illegally entered the U.S. on a tourist visa that expired in February 2023, is under scrutiny for his motivations and intents, raising pressing questions regarding the narratives surrounding the Gaza conflict and its implications here at home. This adds a layer of complexity and urgency to ongoing discussions about immigration, violence, and communal safety, as reported by HuffPost and India Times.

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