Habiba Soliman, daughter of an Egyptian national accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at pro-Israel protesters, was an award-winning student with ambitions to study medicine.
She had applied for a scholarship from The Denver Gazette and shared in her essay how much she had grown since immigrating from Kuwait two years ago.
Habiba’s Journey Since Moving to the USA
In her essay, Habiba explained, “Coming to the USA has fundamentally changed me.”
Since arriving, she became deeply involved in her charter school’s activities.
She founded an Arabic club to build school spirit and took part in Big Brothers, Big Sisters, helping middle school students transition to high school.
Habiba also learned to play basketball and earned the Highlander Award for Leadership Involvement for her dedication.
Her favourite activity was volunteering at UC Health, which she believed would support her future medical career.
Inspiration to Pursue Medicine
Habiba shared a personal story about her father undergoing a difficult surgery that restored his ability to walk.
She described the procedure as “magic” and said it inspired her to pursue a career in medicine.
She also reflected on the importance of family as “the unchanging support.”
Father’s Alleged Attack Following Graduation
It is now believed that Habiba’s father, Mohamed Soliman, waited until after her graduation to carry out the attack that injured a dozen people.
Authorities said he had planned the assault for over a year and recovered a journal from his home detailing his intent to “kill all Zionists.”
During the attack on protesters raising awareness for hostages in Gaza, Soliman reportedly shouted “Free Palestine.”
Details of the Attack and Arrest
Officials found 16 unused Molotov cocktails when Soliman was arrested.
He only threw two devices, allegedly because he was “scared and had never hurt anyone before.”
Despite this, Soliman faces 16 counts of attempted murder and federal hate crime charges.
Soliman’s Background and Employment
Soliman passed Uber’s criminal background check.
An online resume under his name listed employment with a Denver-area healthcare company in accounting and inventory control.
The resume also mentioned prior employers in Egypt and noted that he attended Al-Azhar University, a historic centre for Islamic and Arabic studies in Cairo.
Investigation and Family Involvement
Soliman reportedly left messages for his family on his iPhone, which his wife turned over to authorities.
It remains unclear if any family members knew of his plans.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that federal agents are questioning his family.
Noem expressed sympathy for the victims and pledged full prosecution of Soliman’s “despicable actions.”
Immigration and Visa Controversy
Authorities reported Soliman entered the US in Los Angeles on August 27, 2022, with a non-immigrant visa valid until February 2, 2023, but never left.
He was later granted a work authorization permit valid through March 2024.
This permit was criticized by some, including former Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who condemned the Biden administration for granting it while Soliman was an illegal immigrant.
Community Reaction
Neighbours in Colorado Springs expressed shock at Mohamed Soliman’s alleged actions.
Rachel Delzell, who knew the family, said she attended the city’s only mosque with Soliman’s wife and found it hard to believe Mohamed was involved.
She said, “I can’t believe he was a part of that. You don’t raise a daughter like that and have a wife like that, and do something like that.”
The community remains stunned by the contrast between the family’s kindness and the violent attack.