Attack Details and Victim Impact
A Boulder terror attack left eight people hospitalized after a suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly deployed a “makeshift flamethrower” against a crowd of pro-Israel demonstrators on Sunday afternoon. The victims, ranging from ages 52 to 88, were rushed to local hospitals, with one in critical condition, Boulder Police reported.
Soliman, reportedly shouting “Free Palestine” during the assault, also hurled an incendiary device at the crowd, according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. The attack occurred just before 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of 13th Street and Pearl Street.
Arrest, Charges, and Bond
Authorities arrested Soliman without incident and transported him to a hospital for examination. He is now being held on a $10 million bond, facing multiple felony charges, including the use of an incendiary device and potentially attempted murder or murder. The Boulder County Jail confirmed the extensive list of charges filed against him.
FBI and Federal Response
The FBI is investigating the Boulder terror attack as a “targeted terror attack” driven by ideological motives, said FBI Director Kash Patel. Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that early evidence and witness accounts point to ideologically motivated violence.
Leo Terrell, head of the Justice Department’s antisemitism task force, emphasized that this was part of an escalating wave of antisemitic violence. He called the attack particularly chilling as it coincided with the Jewish holiday Shavuot.
Event Background and Community Reaction
The pro-Israel demonstration, part of the global Run for Their Lives movement, aimed to raise awareness for hostages still held in Gaza. Miri Kornfeld, a spokesperson for the organization, said all upcoming events have been canceled following the Boulder terror attack.
President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident, with Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemning the event as a “heinous act of terror.” Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn called the attack “tragic and unacceptable,” though initially stopped short of labeling it terrorism until further investigations progressed.
Rising Pattern of Antisemitic Attacks
The Boulder terror attack adds to a concerning pattern of antisemitic violence across the U.S. Last month, two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot and killed in Washington, D.C., in what was labeled an “act of terror.” In April, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence was targeted by an arsonist who allegedly used Molotov cocktails.
As the investigation continues, local, state, and federal agencies are working together to support the victims and ensure accountability for the Boulder terror attack.
