On Sunday, a peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, took a horrifying turn when a man wielded a makeshift flamethrower and hurled an incendiary device into a crowd, injuring eight individuals. This shocking incident occurred at an outdoor mall, where demonstrators were advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The FBI quickly classified the violence as a “targeted terror attack.”
The suspect has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old man who reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during the attack. Mark Michalek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Denver field office, confirmed the suspect's actions and subsequent arrest. Soliman was taken to a hospital for treatment, although specific details regarding his injuries were not disclosed.
Authorities revealed that Soliman specifically targeted members of a volunteer group named Run for Their Lives, which organizes events to advocate for the immediate release of Israeli hostages captured during the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023. The group had gathered at the Pearl Street pedestrian mall, a popular area in downtown Boulder known for its tourist and student traffic.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has heightened global tensions and has been linked to increased antisemitic violence across the United States. Just a week prior to this incident, two Israeli Embassy staff members were fatally shot in Washington, with the assailant reportedly declaring, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.”
Following the attack, police evacuated several blocks of the Pearl Street mall. The atmosphere was tense as law enforcement, accompanied by police dogs, scoured the area for additional threats, urging the public to maintain a safe distance. This event occurred merely four years after a mass shooting at a grocery store in Boulder, which left ten people dead.
The individuals injured during the attack ranged in age from 52 to 88. Disturbing images from the scene depicted a woman lying in a fetal position, drenched in blood, while another bystander attempted to assist her. Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn confirmed that the injuries sustained were consistent with reports of individuals being set on fire, with conditions varying from serious to minor. Redfearn emphasized the need for caution in discussing a motive at this early stage, stating, “It would be irresponsible for me to speculate on motive this early on.”
Soliman was apprehended at the scene of the attack. Although no charges have been formally announced, officials indicated their intention to hold him “fully accountable” for his actions. Eyewitness footage captured Soliman, shirtless and in jeans, brandishing two clear bottles containing a transparent liquid while shouting at onlookers. Another video shows a witness alerting authorities, exclaiming, “He’s right there. He’s throwing Molotov cocktails,” as a police officer approached the suspect with a drawn weapon.
FBI officials in Washington are treating this Boulder attack as an act of terrorism. The Justice Department, responsible for investigating acts motivated by religious, racial, or ethnic factors, condemned the incident as a “needless act of violence,” especially in light of recent assaults against Jewish Americans. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated, “This act of terror is being investigated as ideologically motivated violence based on early information, evidence, and witness accounts.”
This tragic event highlights the urgent need for dialogue and understanding amid rising tensions and violence. As investigations continue, authorities are committed to uncovering the full extent of the incident and ensuring justice for the victims.
