A horrifying act of violence disrupted a peaceful demonstration in downtown Boulder on Sunday, as an assailant used a flamethrower and Molotov cocktails to attack participants in a solidarity walk for Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Eight people were injured, two critically, in what authorities are calling a suspected act of ideologically motivated terrorism.
Federal officials have identified the suspect as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, an Egyptian national who was reportedly in the United States illegally after overstaying a tourist visa. According to law enforcement and eyewitness accounts, Soliman shouted anti-Israel slogans, including “Free Palestine” and “We have to end the Zionists,” as he launched his assault on the demonstrators gathered on Pearl Street near 13th.
The victims, all part of a group organized by Run For Their Lives, ranged in age from 52 to 88. One woman, severely burned, had to extinguish herself by rolling on the pavement. Among the injured is a Holocaust survivor, drawing particular outrage from Jewish community leaders and public officials.
Scene of Chaos
Videos and photos circulating online show a shirtless man wielding incendiary devices, lobbing flaming bottles, and igniting a flamethrower-like device into the crowd. Law enforcement responded swiftly, cordoning off the area and urging the public to avoid the scene. The area was reopened early Monday morning after being cleared by local and federal investigators.
FBI Investigating as Terrorism
The FBI confirmed it is investigating the attack as an incident of ideologically motivated violence. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that federal agents were on the scene and coordinating with local law enforcement. “We are treating this as a potential act of domestic terrorism,” Patel wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed the sentiment, saying, “This was an attack intended to terrorize a community. The motive appears political and deeply hateful.”
Immigration and Political Fallout
The attack has already sparked intense political debate, particularly around immigration policy. Soliman reportedly entered the U.S. on a tourist visa and overstayed it. He was later granted a work permit during the Biden administration. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller blamed lax enforcement, stating: “A terror attack was committed in Boulder, Colorado by an illegal alien… the Biden Administration gave him a work permit after he overstayed.”
Critics of the administration are demanding a full investigation into how Soliman remained in the country and obtained work authorization.
Broad Condemnation
Elected officials from across the political spectrum condemned the attack. Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) said in a statement, “Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable. My thoughts are with those injured and impacted. We will support law enforcement fully as the investigation unfolds.”
Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett called the incident “appalling,” adding: “My heart goes out to the victims and their families. Know that the Jewish community has my full support and the support of the entire Boulder community.”
Jewish leaders emphasized the chilling symbolism of the attack, which occurred on the eve of Shavuot, a major Jewish holiday. A joint statement from Boulder’s Jewish organizations said, “We are saddened and heartbroken to learn that an incendiary device was thrown at walkers as they raised awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza. Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack.”
Background of the Demonstration
The walk was part of a nationwide movement by Run For Their Lives, a group founded to keep public attention focused on hostages still being held in Gaza following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. On that day, 251 hostages were taken; 58 remain in captivity, with about 20 confirmed alive.
Sunday’s event was intended to be a peaceful expression of solidarity with those hostages and their families. The attack abruptly transformed it into a scene of chaos and suffering.
Broader Trend of Violence
This is the second major act of violence in the U.S. in recent weeks tied to the Israeli-Hamas conflict. In May, a gunman identified as Elias Rodriguez shot and killed two people near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., while shouting pro-Palestinian slogans. That case is also being investigated as ideologically motivated terrorism.
Ongoing Investigation
Soliman was taken into custody at the scene and is currently being held on federal and state charges, including attempted murder, use of incendiary weapons, and terrorism-related offenses. He is expected to be formally charged later this week.
Authorities are still piecing together Soliman’s background and any possible affiliations with extremist groups. Federal agents have seized digital devices and are examining social media accounts, travel history, and any connections to domestic or foreign radical organizations.
