Allison Sherry

Authorities say that 46-year-old Muhammad Soleiman had told them he planned the June 1st attack for a year and wanted to use a firearm but was denied purchase of one because of his immigration status.

Instead, he used Molotov cocktails.

Soleiman pleaded not guilty to more than 100 state charges related to that attack on a crowd gathered on a pedestrian mall in Boulder.

Fifteen people were injured, including one elderly woman who died later from her injuries.

Those charges include first-degree murder and attempted murder.

Suleiman also faces federal hate crimes charges.

Both trials are planned for next year.

For NPR News, I'm Alison Sherry in Boulder.