On Sunday afternoon, June 1, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado, where several individuals were brutally attacked and burned. According to law enforcement officials, a man identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, launched incendiary devices at participants of a peaceful walk and vigil advocating for Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Witnesses reported that Soliman, who was taken into custody at the scene, shouted “free Palestine” before initiating the violent attack. The FBI confirmed that six victims, aged between 67 and 88, suffered injuries, two of which were serious enough to necessitate airlifting to the burn unit at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. The initial emergency calls to 911 were received shortly after 1:30 p.m., indicating a man armed with a weapon was setting people on fire near the Boulder courthouse.
Police Chief Stephen Redfearn addressed the media, stating, “When we arrived, we encountered multiple victims that were injured, with injuries consistent with burns and other injuries.” Authorities noted that the attacker utilized a “makeshift flamethrower” and other incendiary devices during the assault. In response to the incident, an 11-block area of downtown Boulder, stretching from Broadway to 16th Street and Pine to Walnut, has been cordoned off as the investigation continues. Officials are advising against flying drones or personal aircraft in the vicinity during this period.
Among those nearby was Rick Holter of Pagosa Springs, who described the chaos as he exited a store upon hearing reports of a fire. While he didn’t observe any flames, he saw bystanders attempting to help a person on the ground. Holter recounted, “We watched as the police arrived a couple of minutes later and this guy, the shirtless guy, went down on the ground and was handcuffed and taken away." Despite the tense situation, he noted that the crowd appeared to maintain a calm demeanor as they watched the arrest unfold.
The victims of this heinous act were taking part in a weekly event organized by Run For Their Lives, aimed at raising awareness about the hostages taken by Hamas since the group’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This vigil has been held consistently in cities worldwide. Stefanie Clarke, co-executive director of Stop Antisemitism Colorado, emphasized that the event was non-political and expressed her shock, noting the attack’s severity marks a troubling escalation. “This is part of a deeply disturbing trend of hate that has been normalized and allowed to spread,” she stated.
Boulder City Councilwoman Tara Winer, who has participated in previous Run For Their Lives events, revealed that several victims were her friends. “The Boulder Jewish community is close,” she mentioned, highlighting the solidarity within the community. Winer also reflected on the increasing hostility she has faced, indicating a worrying rise in vitriol over recent months.
Colorado’s political leaders were swift to condemn the attack as a hate crime. Attorney General Phil Weiser remarked, “People may have differing views about world events and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but violence is never the answer to settling differences.” Governor Jared Polis expressed his dismay, stating that the Jewish community is once again facing terror, particularly on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
The attack resonated beyond Boulder, with local officials and lawmakers voicing their horror. Congressman Joe Neguse expressed his prayers for the victims and called for immediate action against the rising tide of antisemitism across the nation. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers underscored their commitment to combatting hate in all forms, reinforcing the message that violence has no place in Colorado.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding hate crimes and the importance of solidarity in the face of violence. The community's resilience and commitment to peace will be crucial as they navigate the aftermath of this horrendous attack.
