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At a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, federal authorities revealed details about the accused Molotov bomber in Boulder, Colorado. The suspect, an illegal Egyptian national named Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly used Israeli flags in his attack and had the phrase “1187,” significant in Muslim history, on his clothing.
Soliman, aged 45, is facing charges including attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, possession of incendiary devices, and multiple counts of attempted use of such devices. These charges stem from a terror attack on June 1 that left 12 people injured.
He is also facing federal charges for allegedly committing a hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion or national origin.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman is facing multiple charges following the incident in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, June 1. (Boulder Police Dpt.)
During the hearing, Soliman, dressed in a brown t-shirt and wearing an interpreter’s headset, seemed restless and observed his surroundings. Though cameras were not allowed, a reporter from Fox News mentioned that he had a cast on his right hand.
After a brief recess, Judge Starnella said while there is debate around the second element of the statute—which is whether Soliman was motivated by national origin and how that is defined—she found probable cause for the case to move forward.
Starnella told Soliman’s attorneys she “understands that there is evidence that cuts against the national origin theory,” but said it is up to a jury to decide.
The court will reconvene June 27 for an arraignment and detention hearing. Soliman has not yet been indicted.
