Soliman, an Egyptian national who was arrested for the firebombing of a group of Jews and Israel supporters in Boulder, Colorado, recorded a video of himself before the attack declaring that Islamic jihad was more beloved to him than his mother, wife, and children. His family came under criticism and was slated for deportation before a judge intervened.
"Allah is greater than anything. Allah is greater than the Zionists. Allah is greater than America and its weapons. Allah is greater than the F-35 planes; Allah is greater than everything else," Soliman said in the video while driving a vehicle. "So why do we fear those who are inferior to Allah rather than fear Allah himself? If I told my wife and son every day to do something, but they didn't do it, I would be angry."
"Do not forget: Allah Akbar. Do not forget that Allah is greater than everything. Not the Zionists, America, Britain, France, or Germany. Only Allah has the right to be feared. I say to my mother, my wife, my children, my brothers, my people: I attest before Allah and before you that Allah, his messenger, and Jihad for Allah's sake are more beloved to me than you and the whole world are," said Soliman.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was arrested on June 1 after he ignited a series of Molotov cocktails and firebombed at least 15 individuals who were showing support for Israel at a weekly event calling for the release of Hamas-held hostages at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado. The victims range from ages 25 to 88 years old, according to FBI Denver. At least one of the victims was a Holocaust survivor, reports said.
The Department of Homeland Security said that Soliman had been unlawfully residing in the country on an overstayed visa and was granted a temporary work authorization under the Biden administration, which had also expired. The Boulder District Attorney's Office has charged Soliman with 16 counts of first-degree attempted murder. The FBI said that the investigation is being probed as a terror-related incident.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Tuesday that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended Soliman's wife and five children, who have also been residing in the country. However, a district court judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked their deportations. Soliman is scheduled to appear in Court on June 5.
