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Federal and state authorities have charged Mohamed Soliman, an Egyptian national, with hate crimes and attempted murder after a violent attack during a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado.

As the investigation continues, his wife and five children are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and face expedited removal proceedings.

Family Under Investigation

Soliman, who has lived in Colorado Springs for three years on an expired visa, allegedly planned the attack for over a year.

His wife and children are being held while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) examines whether they had any knowledge of or involvement in the incident.

“We are investigating to what extent his family knew about this heinous attack, if they knew of it, or if they provided support to it,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated on Tuesday.

“I am continuing to pray for the victims of this attack and their families. Justice will be served.”

Soliman’s tourist visa and work permit had both expired, and court documents state that he had taken a concealed carry course but was denied a firearm due to his immigration status.

Molotov Cocktails Used in Attack

Soliman allegedly disguised himself as a gardener before throwing Molotov cocktails at peaceful demonstrators with Run for Their Lives, a group that raises awareness about hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

“They’re literally on fire,” said Omer Shachar, a co-leader of the group. “I don’t know if I can express it enough — literally on fire and trying to pull my friend out of the fire.”

Sixteen unused Molotov cocktails were found near Soliman when he was arrested. According to FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek, they were made of wine bottles and Ball jars filled with 87 octane gasoline and xylene.

Chaos and Panic at the Scene

Twelve people were injured in the attack, two of whom remain hospitalized. The victims' ages ranged from 52 to 88, and they were all taken to local hospitals, police said.

Newly released footage shows the chaotic aftermath as bystanders rushed to help with water bottles.

https://youtu.be/P7hk9IMuTS0?si=iLND_ij5cbcPs9hG

Shachar described trying to subdue Soliman but backing off when it became clear the suspect had access to more incendiary devices.

“We saw that he’s approaching to a container full of bottles and realized that it’s not a good idea, so we stepped back,” said Shachar.

Ideological Motivation and Federal Charges

Soliman told investigators he wanted to “kill all Zionist people” and said he waited until his daughter graduated high school before carrying out the assault. He claimed his actions were not against Jews generally but specifically against those he believes support violence in Palestine.