Over the weekend, a peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, turned into a scene of terror when a man attacked participants with a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices, injuring eight individuals.
The incident occurred at the Pearl Street Mall during a weekly event called “Run for Their Lives,” organized to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Witnesses reported that the assailant, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, shouted “Free Palestine” and other anti-Israel slogans while launching the attack.
The victims, four men and four women aged between 52 and 88, suffered varying degrees of burns. One of the injured is an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor known for her advocacy work. At least one victim remains in critical condition.
Soliman, an Egyptian national residing in Colorado Springs, was apprehended at the scene. Authorities revealed that he had overstayed a B-2 tourist visa that expired in February 2023 and had been living in the U.S. illegally. He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and the use of explosives.
The FBI is investigating the attack as a targeted act of ideologically motivated terrorism and a hate crime. The timing of the assault, on the eve of the Jewish holiday Shavuot, has heightened concerns about rising antisemitic violence in the U.S.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting its diverse communities.
In a statement, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) said:
“It is unfathomable that the Jewish community is facing another terror attack here in Boulder, on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot no less.”