Colorado Firebomb Attack: Hate Crime or Terrorism?

Colorado firebomb attack: A shocking spectacle of violence in Boulder, Colorado has highlighted the steep rise of antisemitic violence throughout the USA. On Sunday, a man allegedly used a homemade flamethrower and Molotov cocktails against an innocent pro-Israel gathering injuring 12. The attacker, who has been identified as Mohamed Soliman was apparently chanting “Free Palestine” while he was attacking them.   

This is only one incident amid a trend. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) estimates that antisemitic acts in the USA increased by 344% in 2024 (versus five years ago). It made it one of the most disturbing periods for Jewish communities across the nation in the last few years. The number is more than 9,300 acts last year, indicating many think a crisis is at hand in American society.   

Hate Incident in Boulder  

The group focused on this incident is called Run for Their Lives—Boulder. They have been holding various events since the October 7, 2023. Hamas attacks on Israel, with this current protest calling for attention to the hostages in Gaza. The rally was rather unceremoniously interrupted by Soliman, who set off explosive devices. A homemade flamethrower made out of a weed-killer backpack.

Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said that 16 unused Molotov cocktails and a homemade flamethrower were situated “within arm’s reach” of Soliman during the attack. He faces a number of state charges including attempted murder and incendiary devices in addition to a federal hate crime charge.

Alarming Signs for the Jewish Community

This is the second significant antisemitic attack in the U.S. in only a few weeks. Prior to this incident, two employees of the Israeli Embassy were killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. in a similar situation. Witnesses in both situations said the attackers yelled slogans endorsing Palestine.

Jewish leaders have been sounding alarms for some months. Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, warned that the Jewish community has been “warning the world. Every time they hear the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’ or ‘resistance by any means necessary’. These are not just words; they are incitements to violence.”

The aggressive descriptions of the demonstrations, particularly on U.S. college campuses, have conflated political speech and hate speech. While many protests are peaceful, some contained threats, antisemitic comments, and some incidents of violence.

Immigration and Political Implications

Soliman, a resident of Egypt, was living in the U.S. on an expired visa since 2023. The assault is quickly becoming a centerpiece in the broader discussion about immigration and national security.

Ex-President Donald Trump condemned the assault and placed culpability on visa laws. “The terrible incident in Boulder, Colorado, yesterday WILL NOT BE TOLERATED,” he wrote, reiterating calls for stricter visa laws.

Stephen Miller, a key advisor to Trump echoed the sentiment, asserting “National security is immigration security.” Law enforcement reported that Soliman tried to purchase a firearm but was blocked due to his immigration status. Supposedly, he learned how to build a bomb online and delayed the attack until after his daughter’s graduation.

Broader Implications for National Security

The domestic act of terrorism has not only unsettled the Jewish community but also shook up experts in national security. FBI agents have confirmed that Soliman was planning this attack for over a year and underscores the growing need to monitor ideological extremism fueled by global conflicts.

The seized materials—Molotov cocktails made with wine bottles, gasoline, and red cloth—exemplify how easily these weapons can be constructed and used against civilians.

Global Response and Ongoing Investigations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded on social media, describing the attack as one that “targeted peaceful people who merely wanted to show their support for hostages taken by Hamas.” He asserted that he has trust in U.S. authorities to ensure the assailant is held responsible.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who has a family history from Holocaust survivors, said it was “a hate crime based on the group that was targeted.”

As investigations are ongoing, the violent act is not simply a trending news today but is also a reminder of the growing dangers that increasingly confront extremism and antisemitism in the U.S.

Concluding Thoughts

The Colorado firebomb attack serves as a reminder of the rising threat of hatred-motivated violence in America. As the world stands and watches the situation in the Middle East evolve, the reverberations of the situation are felt in America—reminding all of the critical and essential need to substantively draw the lines between free expression and incitement, and protest and terrorism.

There is hope that this recent horror turns into more than just outrage and will lead to meaningful actions to ensure safety and justice for endangered communities.