FBI Confirms Attack as Targeted Violence During Pro-Israel Walk
In a deeply disturbing event, the peaceful town of Boulder, Colorado, was shaken by a targeted act of terrorism on Sunday afternoon. According to FBI officials, the violent incident occurred during a solidarity march for Israeli hostages, where a suspect launched a brutal attack using a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails. The attack left eight people injured, several of whom suffered severe burns.
Who is the Suspect? Mohamed Sabry Soliman Identified
FBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Michalek confirmed the identity of the suspect as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing Soliman shout "Free Palestine" and "End Zionist" during the attack. Soliman had been living in Colorado Springs and previously entered the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa in 2022. That visa reportedly expired in February 2023.
The Attack: What Happened on Pearl Street Mall
The attack took place at 1:26 p.m. at the historic Boulder County Courthouse on Pearl Street. A weekly silent march organized by the group Run For Their Lives was underway. The event aimed to raise awareness about Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack.
Suddenly, chaos erupted. Witnesses described seeing a large flame as high as a tree. Victims were reportedly writhing on the ground in pain. Some marchers rushed to douse the flames with water. Burn scars were visible on the street where the incident occurred.
Victims Include Holocaust Survivor and University Professor
Boulder Police confirmed eight victims—four men and four women—aged between 52 and 88. One elderly woman, critically injured, is a Holocaust survivor. Another victim is a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. The victims were initially taken to Boulder Community Health and UCHealth’s burn unit. At least one was airlifted due to the severity of the injuries.
Law Enforcement Responds Swiftly
The FBI, in cooperation with local police, evacuated three blocks of Pearl Street. Authorities confirmed the discovery of a vehicle of interest connected to the suspect, believed to contain additional incendiary materials. The area was cleared by nightfall.
Later that evening, the FBI carried out a court-authorized operation in El Paso County, where the suspect had been residing. The investigation is being treated as a domestic terrorism case.
Community in Shock and Mourning
Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder, called the elderly victim "a very loving person." CU President Todd Saliman said the event had left the community “shocked and horrified.”
Street performer Peter Irish, a witness to the aftermath, stated, "It was chaos... traumatic to watch."
Political and Global Reactions
Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack as an "antisemitic act of terror," especially poignant as it occurred on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. He expressed outrage at this violence in light of recent antisemitic attacks elsewhere in the U.S.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement via Reuters: “The victims were attacked simply because they were Jews.” He emphasized confidence in U.S. authorities to prosecute the attacker fully.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed that the National Counterterrorism Center is assisting in the investigation, alongside the FBI.
Run For Their Lives: The Weekly Vigil Targeted
The peaceful walk, held weekly since the Hamas October 7 attack, was meant to honor and raise awareness about hostages held in Gaza. Organizer Omer Shachar had contacted police several times before the event with concerns about security.
Participant Ed Victor described the horror: “We lined up quietly in front of the courthouse. Suddenly, there was heat, flames… and a person was on fire.” Victor and others attempted to put out the flames and assist the injured while waiting for emergency services.
Strong Condemnation from Legal Authorities
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser called it a "hateful attack" and offered legal support to Boulder’s District Attorney. “We all have the right to peaceably assemble… but these violent acts must stop,” Weiser emphasized.
A joint statement from Boulder’s Jewish community read:
“We are heartbroken. Our hearts go out to those injured and to everyone who witnessed this horror. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure safety.”
National Implications and Rising Concern
This attack has reignited national concern over increasing antisemitic violence in the U.S. The FBI has opened a full terrorism investigation, and law enforcement across the country is on alert for copycat incidents or related threats.
Authorities have not ruled out whether Soliman acted alone or was inspired by external extremist ideologies. His expired visa and recent relocation to Colorado are also under scrutiny.
Conclusion: A Community Forever Changed
The attack on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall marks a painful chapter in the city's history. What began as a peaceful expression of solidarity ended in chaos, pain, and horror.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the trauma, seeking healing, and demanding justice. The nation watches closely as law enforcement pursues the case against Mohamed Sabry Soliman and works to ensure such violence never repeats.
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