A violent attack shook a Jewish community in Colorado, leaving eight people injured. The suspect, 45-year-old Mohammed Sabbahi Suliman, allegedly used Molotov cocktails to carry out the assault.
Suliman had planned the attack for over a year, waiting for his daughter to finish school before striking. He targeted a group called “Run for Their Lives,” which was advocating for the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip.
As he attacked, Suliman shouted “Free Palestine.” After his arrest, he told police his goal was to target Zionists, and he planned to carry out more attacks. The FBI defines Zionists as people who support the establishment of a Jewish state and the Israeli government.
Suliman has been charged with hate crimes and attempted murder. When arrested, he had at least 14 unused Molotov cocktails in his possession. Police also found a backpack sprayer filled with gasoline and other incendiary devices in his car.
Suliman’s immigration status is complex. He applied for asylum in the US in 2005 but was denied. However, he entered the country as a non-immigrant visitor in August 2022 and received a two-year work visa in March 2023, which has since expired.
At the time of the attack, Suliman was working as an Uber driver. The company confirmed that he passed all background checks before starting work. His contract has since been terminated.
The FBI is still investigating the attack, but it’s clear that Suliman’s actions were motivated by a desire to harm a specific community. The incident has raised concerns about hate crimes and the need for increased vigilance in protecting vulnerable communities.
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