On 1 June 2025, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, age 45, injured a dozen individuals in Boulder, Colorado during a rally hosted by Run for Their Lives. Run for Their Lives is a group focused on raising awareness on the remaining hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. The group’s message includes, “Don’t protest! Don’t disturb your neighbors…Focus on humanity. [This] movement shows world leaders that we all care, regardless of nationality or religion.”

According to the Associated Press, Soliman disguised himself as a gardener and brought 18 Molotov cocktails as well as a gas sprayer in his backpack. Authorities state he only used two of the incendiary devices and did not use any of the gas. The FBI stated the 16 unused Molotov cocktails were created via glass wine carafe bottles; the bottles contained clear liquid with red rags hanging out of the top. According to Al Jazeera, “[A Molotov cocktail] comprises a bottle filled with a flammable liquid covered by a wick, which is lit on fire before the bottle is thrown at a target.”

Colorado police stated in an affidavit that, “[Soliman] said he had to do it, he should do it, and he would not forgive himself if he did not do it,” Though, he didn’t carry out his full plan “because he got scared and had never hurt anyone before.” U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell for the District of Colorado stated, “When he was interviewed about the attack, he said he wanted them all to die, he had no regrets, and he would go back and do it again.”

The attack demonstrates the intense division occurring because of the Israel-Hamas war. The lack of cooperation among Israel supporters and Palestine supporters has been an issue in government, regionally, and individually for decades. Media, though, has never been so available as it is now. As new events unfold, individuals are able to read and watch them as they are happening, and it is constant. This closeness with the events bring individuals closer to their ideology. Media, social media in particular, has algorithms that push individuals farther into radical ideologies. 

Soliman is a native citizen of Egypt. According to the NY Times and The Jeruselum Post, Soliman had social media posts describing his allegiance to the Muslim Brotherhood and former President Morsi. If this is true, this could demonstrate a radicalization of Soliman via social media. During the Egyptian Revolution, social media was widely used to record corruption and violence among the government — including by the Muslim Brotherhood when they were in office. It is possible that Soliman believed violence was the next step because of his affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood. However, the Muslim Brotherhood is a legitimate political organization — though it is under banishment in Egypt and allied countries. It is likely Soliman was affiliated with the militant sect of the MB.

Soliman is not the only perpetrator of radicalization. On 23 May 2025, Elias Rodrigez killed two Israeli consultants: Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. In February 2025, Mordechai Brafman shot two Israelis believing they were Palestinian. In October 2023, Wadea al-Fayoume, a six-year-old boy, was stabbed to death because the murderer, Joseph Czuba was “upset about Jeruselum” (CNN). His mother was also injured. 

The normalization of radicalization stems from feelings of helplessness and loss. The emotions both ‘sides’ are experiencing is because of the growing disconnect from individuals and government. According to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, “Americans give Israel a lukewarm rating of 50 on a 0-100 scale where 100 represents the most favorable rating. This is the lowest rating Israel has ever received in Council polling dating back to 1978.” In this, Democrats rate Israel at an average of 41 and Republicans rate Israel at an average of 63 — both numbers dropping from 2022. However, aid to Israel has only increased from the United States. 

Individuals feel helpless. They want to do what’s ‘right’ but the government has its own agenda and solemnly listens to individuals on this issue with differing opinions. Harvard, an institution with a differing opinion, has cut $450 million while having $2.2 billion in federal funds frozen. 

The solution is not individual. The Democratic party needs to recognize how their supporters are responding to international issues, instead of valuing identity politics to try and pull ahead. Individuals can play their part; during general elections, see who donates to your candidates. Track AIPAC displays all funds individual candidates have accepted from AIPAC — the leading Israel lobbying group. 

Algorithms are not your friends. They are built by capitalists whose main goal is to have you on their app/site for as long as possible. Instead of finding only online communities, attempt to organize community building. Run for Their Lives is a good example. Other ways of community building can include donation, rallying, supporting local business, etc. There will always be ways of demonstrating you care without hurting others.