Eight individuals were hurt, some of them burned, when a man using a homemade flamethrower yelled “Free Palestine” and threw incendiary devices at a gathering to raise awareness for Israeli hostages in Gaza, according to law enforcement officials. The FBI was looking into the event as a targeted act of terrorism, and the suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was charged and taken to Boulder County Jail. The Pearl Street pedestrian mall in Boulder, Colorado, is where the attack took place.
at a weekly protest that the organization Run for Their Lives hosts. The guy threw Molotov cocktails and used a homemade flamethrower while yelling pro-Palestine slogans, according to witnesses. The victims’ injuries varied from minor to critical, and their ages ranged from 52 to 88. After getting burned himself, the suspect was taken to a hospital for treatment and was arrested on the spot. Authorities have noticed that Soliman had overstayed his visa in the United States and suspect he acted alone. Because of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has resulted in a rise in antisemitic violence in the United States, tensions were high at the time of the incident. Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, denounced the assault and prayed for the victims’ recovery.
Although there have been no recorded fatalities, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the 45-year-old suspect in the Colorado attack, has been charged with several serious counts, including assault, use of explosives, and first-degree murder. His bail is $10 million. At a nonviolent pro-Israel protest hosted by the organization Run for Their Lives at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, Soliman is accused of using a homemade flamethrower and throwing incendiary devices. His yelled slogans throughout the assault included “Free Palestine” and, according to reports, “End Zionists.” Eight people—some with severe burns—between the ages of 52 and 88 were hurt and admitted to the hospital.
The work authorization for Soliman, an Egyptian national, was extended until March 2025. Soliman arrived in the United States in August 2022 on a non-immigrant visa that ended in 2023. Authorities have not discovered any proof of a larger scheme and believe he acted alone. The incident is being investigated by the FBI as a targeted act of terrorism driven by hatred for a particular ideology. Following the assault, Soliman was taken to a hospital for treatment after being caught at the scene with his own burns.
FBI: The Planning and Motive of the Suspect
Investigators were informed by Mohamed Sabry Soliman that he planned to “kill all Zionist people” and that he would be willing to carry out the attack again. He spent almost a year planning the attack, waiting until his daughter graduated before taking action, and studying how to construct Molotov cocktails on YouTube. He intentionally targeted a weekly gathering of a Jewish community group that supports the hostages in Gaza.
Information about the Attack
The incident happened during a nonviolent pro-Israel protest hosted by Run for Their Lives at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall. Soliman hurled incendiary devices and a homemade flamethrower while yelling “Free Palestine.” There were eight injured, some with severe burns, ranging in age from 52 to 88. Witnesses recounted chaotic scenes in which people were burned alive while others hurried to assist.
History of the Suspect and Arrest
After coming to the United States in 2022, Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, had overstayed his visa. He was discovered in possession of a backpack sprayer loaded with gasoline and flammable chemicals, as well as at least fourteen lighted Molotov cocktails. He was brought to a hospital after being caught at the scene of the incident, having been burned himself. According to authorities, he acted alone and had no affiliation with any organized group.
Official and Community Reaction
After the attack, the Jewish community in Boulder voiced extreme trauma and terror. Around Jewish organizations, law enforcement stepped up their security. Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, denounced the attack as a “demonic terrorist attack.” Homeland Security and other U.S. officials are working together on the inquiry and stressing the importance of putting an end to such violence.
How has this incident affected the Jewish community in Boulder?
Many members of the local Jewish community are experiencing pain, anxiety, wrath, and sorrow as a result of the Boulder incident. Rabbi Joseph Black of Temple Emanuel and other community leaders characterized the incident as frightening and personal, but they also underlined the importance of perseverance, saying, “This will not stop us, in any way, shape or form.” In response to persistent threats, the Jewish community has increased security at synagogues and events to safeguard attendees.
The executive director of the Boulder Jewish Community Center expressed shock and sadness, saying the attack went right to the heart of their identity and their hopes for a happy, cohesive community. As a necessary precaution, law enforcement has stepped up their presence surrounding Jewish organizations, including installing armored security outside the community center.
Leaders and local officials have vehemently denounced the attack as an act of terror and a hate crime. The Jewish governor, Jared Polis, described the attack as “heinous” and promised that Boulder’s community strength will win out. Given that the violence took place on the eve of the Jewish holiday Shavuot, he strongly denounced it. Boulder City Councilwoman Tara Winer emphasized the need for unity and vigilance by pointing out the close-knit character of the Jewish community and the local rise in antisemitic hate.
Politicians at the federal and state levels, including as Senator John Hickenlooper and Congressman Joe Neguse, voiced their shock and demanded immediate action to stop antisemitism. The incident has strengthened the community’s resolve to continue nonviolent advocacy in spite of the threats and raised awareness of the growing antisemitic violence in the United States.
In conclusion,
Despite being profoundly shaken, the Boulder Jewish community remains unified in their grief and resolve, stepping up security and support initiatives while refusing to let terror define or silence them.
