An Egyptian national with an expired visa allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” while launching a makeshift flamethrower attack against a pro-Israel event in Boulder, Colorado, leaving eight people injured in what the FBI is now officially classifying as a targeted act of terrorism.
At a Glance
- Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, allegedly attacked participants at a pro-Israel “Run for Their Lives” event in Boulder using what witnesses described as Molotov cocktails
- Eight victims aged 52 to 88 suffered injuries, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, with some requiring helicopter transport to hospitals
- The FBI is investigating the incident as “a targeted terror attack” while local officials suggest it may also qualify as a hate crime
- Soliman, an Egyptian national whose visa had expired but who had been granted a work permit, was also injured and hospitalized
- The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the U.S. related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, which has seen increases in both antisemitic and Islamophobic violence
FBI Declares Boulder Attack an Act of Terrorism
Federal authorities moved quickly to classify Sunday’s violent attack at a Boulder, Colorado outdoor mall as terrorism after a suspect allegedly threw incendiary devices at participants of a pro-Israel demonstration. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek made the Bureau’s position clear in statements to the press: “It is clear that this is a targeted act of violence and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism.” The incident occurred around 1:26 PM local time on Sunday, disrupting what had been a peaceful demonstration organized to raise awareness about Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly used what witnesses described as a “makeshift flamethrower” to attack participants. According to law enforcement, Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” during the assault. He is an Egyptian national living in Colorado Springs who had remained in the country on a work permit after his visa expired.
The attack resulted in eight people being wounded, with injuries ranging from minor to potentially life-threatening burns that required helicopter evacuation to specialized medical facilities.
Six people were injured when a 45-year-old man yelled ‘Free Palestine’ and threw incendiary devices into a crowd in Boulder, Colorado, where a demonstration to remember the Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza was taking place, authorities said https://t.co/zTb5sym5lm
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 2, 2025
Victims Include Holocaust Survivor
The casualties of Sunday’s attack represent a cross-section of Boulder residents who had gathered for the “Run for Their Lives” event, a demonstration aimed at raising awareness about Israeli captives in Gaza. Four women and four men, aged between 52 and 88, suffered various degrees of injuries. Reports indicate that among the wounded was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, adding a particularly disturbing dimension to the attack. Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn emphasized the peaceful nature of the gathering before violence erupted.
The Boulder Jewish community has expressed profound sorrow over the incident. Rabbi Israel Wilhelm described one of the victims as a “very loving person.” The attack has sent shockwaves through Boulder, a city that prides itself on tolerance and that has already experienced mass casualty events in recent years, including a 2021 supermarket shooting that claimed ten lives. Police have asked the public to come forward with any information or footage that might assist in their investigation.
Rising Tensions Over Israel-Gaza Conflict
Sunday’s attack in Boulder marks the second recent violent incident in the United States linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Earlier, a fatal shooting occurred in Washington D.C. that authorities connected to tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser addressed the broader context while condemning the violence in unequivocal terms.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis joined numerous officials in condemning the attack, while Israeli authorities have characterized the incident as antisemitism requiring decisive action. The attack comes during a period of heightened tensions across American college campuses and communities regarding the Israel-Gaza war, with increased reports of both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents nationwide. Law enforcement officials are taking the Boulder attack extremely seriously, with Soliman facing potential terrorism and hate crime charges once he is released from medical care.
Investigation Continues
As the Boulder community grapples with this latest act of violence, federal, state, and local authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into Soliman’s background, motives, and potential connections to extremist groups. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect with bottles of liquid believed to be Molotov cocktails at the scene. The FBI has taken the lead on the case, working in coordination with local law enforcement to process evidence from the Pearl Street Mall where the attack occurred.
The incident has prompted renewed discussions about immigration enforcement, as Soliman had remained in the country despite having an expired visa. Officials have not yet announced formal charges against Soliman, who was also injured during the attack and remains hospitalized. Law enforcement has emphasized their commitment to holding the perpetrator fully accountable under federal terrorism statutes, with additional state charges likely to follow as the investigation progresses.
