Written by Abigail Thompson.
In a troubling incident that has sparked widespread debate, a 45-year-old Egyptian man, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly attacked pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, using a makeshift flamethrower. The assault, which took place at a pedestrian mall, targeted a group advocating for hostages held in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite Soliman’s documented identity as an Egyptian national reportedly in the United States illegally, several media outlets, including MSNBC, initially described him as a “white man.” This mischaracterization has fueled criticism of media narratives and raised questions about journalistic integrity in reporting on politically sensitive issues.
Details of the Boulder Attack
On a Sunday in Boulder, Soliman allegedly targeted members of Run For Their Lives, a volunteer organization raising awareness about hostages in Gaza. Witnesses reported that he shouted “Free Palestine” while deploying a makeshift flamethrower and throwing Molotov cocktails. According to law enforcement, Soliman faces serious charges, including first-degree murder with deliberation and intent, first-degree assault, and use of incendiary devices during a felony. While the murder charge suggests severe consequences, authorities have not confirmed any fatalities from the incident. The attack has heightened concerns about rising antisemitic violence in the United States, particularly in the context of global tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war.
The assault occurred in a popular pedestrian area known for its vibrant community atmosphere. Video evidence captured a witness urgently alerting police, shouting, “He’s throwing Molotov cocktails,” as officers moved to apprehend the suspect. The lack of visible security at the event, despite the charged political climate, has prompted scrutiny of local safety measures. This incident follows a separate attack in Washington, D.C., where a Chicago man fatally shot two Israeli embassy staffers, citing solidarity with Palestine. These events underscore the growing risks faced by Jewish communities amid escalating global conflicts.
Media Missteps and Public Backlash
MSNBC’s initial description of Soliman as a “white man” drew sharp criticism online, with commentators accusing the outlet of pushing a misleading narrative. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with posts condemning the misclassification, arguing it aligned with broader efforts to frame domestic terrorism as a primarily “white” issue. This framing echoes past statements from the Biden administration, which has highlighted white supremacy as a significant terror threat. However, Soliman’s identity as an Egyptian national, reportedly in the country illegally, contradicts this portrayal, leading to accusations of bias in mainstream reporting.
The backlash reflects broader frustrations with media accuracy in covering complex issues like terrorism and immigration. For example, Fox News reported Soliman’s illegal status, a detail absent from early MSNBC coverage. This discrepancy has fueled debates about whether certain outlets prioritize ideological narratives over factual reporting. The incident highlights the challenges of balancing rapid news dissemination with the need for precision, especially in cases involving sensitive topics like race, nationality, and political violence.
Rising Antisemitism and Security Concerns
The Boulder attack is part of a troubling surge in antisemitic incidents across the United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic acts increased by 140% in 2024 compared to the previous year, driven in part by tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Jewish community centers, synagogues, and public events have become frequent targets, prompting calls for enhanced security measures. The absence of apparent security at the Boulder event has raised questions about preparedness in liberal-leaning cities, where political sensitivities may complicate proactive safety protocols.
FBI leadership, including Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, has signaled a shift in priorities to address this growing threat. Both have emphasized redirecting resources to combat antisemitism, a move that aligns with broader efforts to reassess domestic terrorism strategies. The Boulder incident, coupled with the recent Washington, D.C., shooting, underscores the urgency of these measures. For Jewish communities, the lack of visible security at public events feels like a vulnerability that cannot be ignored, particularly in an era of heightened ideological polarization.
Our Take
The misidentification of Mohamed Sabry Soliman as a “white man” by MSNBC and other outlets represents a significant journalistic failure that undermines public trust. While errors in fast-moving news cycles are not uncommon, the nature of this misstep—conflating a specific racial identity with an Egyptian national—suggests a troubling tendency to prioritize narrative over accuracy. This incident, combined with the violent attack itself, highlights the need for both media and public institutions to approach issues of terrorism, immigration, and antisemitism with greater clarity and accountability. As antisemitic violence continues to rise, ensuring accurate reporting and robust security measures will be critical to fostering informed discourse and protecting vulnerable communities.
