A man accused of carrying out a deadly firebomb attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder is expected to plead guilty to murder and multiple related charges, according to court filings.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman faces a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the June 1 assault, which left one person dead and more than a dozen others injured.
Prosecutors say Soliman threw Molotov cocktails into a group gathered at a pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder during a demonstration supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza. An 82-year-old woman who was injured in the attack later died, while at least 12 others sustained injuries.
Authorities allege the suspect planned the attack for nearly a year and was motivated by extremist views targeting individuals he associated with Israel. Federal prosecutors have also charged him with hate crimes, though Soliman had previously pleaded not guilty in the federal case.
In addition to the state murder charges, Soliman faces dozens of counts including attempted murder and animal cruelty after a dog was injured during the incident. Investigators said he had more than two dozen incendiary devices but used only two before stopping.
Local officials described the attack as deeply traumatic for the community. Boulder Mayor Pro Tem Tara Winer said many of the victims were personally known to her, calling the incident “horrific” and emphasizing the lasting impact on those affected.
The case remains under both state and federal jurisdiction, with prosecutors still weighing whether to pursue the death penalty in the federal proceedings. A court hearing is scheduled this week as the case moves forward.