Boulder Officials Announce Charges in Mall Attack Targeting Israeli Hostage Supporters

Federal Hate Crime Charges Announced

• 💡 Acting US Attorney Bishop Gruell announced federal charges against Muhammad Sabri Solomon, 45, for committing a hate crime.
• 🎯 The charge, under 18 USC section 249, includes attempted murder, with a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison.
• 🧠 Solomon reportedly stated he had been planning the attack for a year because he hated what he called the "Zionist group."
• 🔥 The alleged actions involved throwing Molotov cocktails at individuals peacefully walking, with Solomon expressing a desire for them all to die and having no regrets.
• ⚠️ Solomon also stated he previously attempted to purchase a firearm but resorted to Molotov cocktails as he was not a legal citizen.

State-Level Prosecutions and Victim Count

• ⚖️ District Attorney Michael Doherty confirmed state-level charges, including 16 counts of attempted murder in the first degree.
• 📈 If convicted and sentences run consecutively, Solomon could face up to 384 years in state prison for attempted murder, plus additional years for incendiary device charges.
• 💰 A $10 million cash-only bond was set for the state charges.
• 👥 The number of identified victims has increased to 12, with formal charges reflecting this number expected later in the week.

Law Enforcement and Community Response

• 🤝 Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Boulder Police Department, FBI, and DA's office, are working collaboratively.
• 🚒 First responders were praised for their quick actions in ending the attack and tending to the injured.
• 🔍 The FBI has conducted numerous witness interviews, executed search warrants, and deployed evidence response teams.
• 🗣️ Authorities are encouraging anyone with information or multimedia evidence related to the attack to contact the FBI.
• 🏘️ Chief Steven Redern highlighted the resilience of the Boulder community and assured adequate security for upcoming events.
• 🙏 Strong relationships with the Jewish community were emphasized, with ongoing communication and meetings planned to ensure safety and support.