July 1, 2025, Boulder, Colorado A peaceful protest turned violent Sunday when a man allegedly attacked with firebombs and a flamethrower. Six elderly people were injured. The perpetrator allegedly yelled “Free Palestine” during the attack, which caused widespread alarm and triggered an FBI-led terror probe.
The Assault
The incident occurred at downtown Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall during the weekly “Run for Their Lives” event, which demands the release of hostages held by Hamas. Witnesses said the suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, approached the crowd and began hurling burning projectiles using a homemade flamethrower.
All six victims aged between 67 and 88 years old sustained burns, with at least one person in critical condition.One of the victims is reportedly a Holocaust survivor. First responders quickly arrived and airlifted two injured people to a trauma center in Aurora. news updates
Who Is the Suspect?
Soliman, an Egyptian national, arrived in the U.S. in August 2022 on a short-term visa that expired in February 2023. He had overstayed and was staying in the country illegally, according to authorities.
Police think he acted alone, and he is currently under arrest. The Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement, and the FBI are all working together to investigate the event.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/boulder-colorado-terror-attack-fbi-b2761678.html
Motivation and Repercussions
Officials have not yet verified if the man had any affiliations with terrorist organizations, despite reports that he yelled pro-Palestinian slogans throughout the assault.
While securing the area, authorities searched Soliman’s car for explosives or other dangers but found no additional devices.
Community and Political Response
FBI Director Kash Patel and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser called the incident a “targeted terror attack.” They said it likely qualifies as a hate crime based on the group Soliman targeted. Local Jewish organizations expressed deep concern over the rise in antisemitic incidents, especially amid growing international tensions from the Israel-Gaza war.
A local synagogue leader said, “This is not just an attack on individuals it’s an attack on a peaceful community gathering and freedom of expression.”
Earlier this month, the fatal shooting of Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C., raised fears about politically motivated violence on American soil.
What Happens Next?
As the investigation continues, authorities may file federal terror charges against Soliman. While victims receive medical care, the community is uniting to show strength in the face of hate.
Leaders urge Americans to speak out but never through violence as the country grapples with deep divisions over the Middle East conflict.
