Man Charged in Colorado Molotov Cocktail Attack; Family Detained by ICE

Attack on Jewish Demonstrators

• 🎯 Muhammad Salimon is charged with 16 counts of attempted murder for targeting a group of Jewish demonstrators in downtown Boulder with two Molotov cocktails.
• 💥 The attack, which occurred during a weekly march raising awareness for hostages in Gaza, resulted in injuries to 12 people, two of whom remain hospitalized with severe burns.
• 🗣️ Witnesses reported Salimon shouting "Free Palestine!" during the assault, and court documents indicate he had planned the attack for a year.

Attacker's Actions and Confession

• 🎭 Salimon disguised himself as a gardener and bought flowers to blend in before launching the attack.
• 🔥 He set himself on fire during the act and ripped off his shirt to extinguish the flames, while victims lay on the sidewalk burning.
• ⚠️ Despite bringing 18 Molotov cocktails, he only threw two, telling investigators he got scared and had second thoughts, though he later confessed he felt he had to do it.

Family Detained and Deportation Proceedings

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Salimon's wife and five children were taken into custody by ICE, with their visas revoked and deportation vowed.
• 🛂 The Egyptian national had overstayed a tourist visa in 2023 but was later granted asylum and work authorization.
• 🏛️ The White House has faced criticism for the administration's handling of Salimon's immigration status, with some blaming President Biden for allowing him to remain in the country.

Legal Charges and Hate Crime Investigation

• ⚖️ In addition to attempted murder charges, Salimon faces a federal hate crime charge.
• 🤕 The attack has caused significant trauma to the victims, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.