Eight people were injured on Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, after a man used a homemade flamethrower to attack a peaceful rally held in support of Israeli hostages. The incident happened during a weekly event called “Run for Their Lives,” where members of the Jewish community gather to show solidarity with Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
The suspect, identified by the FBI as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was taken into custody shortly after the incident. He was also injured and is receiving medical care. The FBI said it is investigating the case as a targeted terror attack. Police in Boulder have been more cautious, stating that it is still too early to determine the motive.
The attack took place during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and just before 1:30 p.m. local time. Witnesses said the man approached the crowd yelling phrases like “Free Palestine” before using bottles filled with flammable liquid to start fires. A video circulating online shows a shirtless man holding what appears to be makeshift firebombs. Flames can be seen spreading quickly, with bystanders rushing to help victims lying on the ground.
Boulder Police confirmed that the victims include four men and four women, aged between 52 and 88. One of the victims is in critical condition. Emergency responders arrived at the scene quickly and transported all injured individuals to local hospitals for treatment.
The violent act shocked many in the community. Local residents expressed fear and confusion, saying such attacks are not expected in a country like the United States. The protest had been peaceful before the suspect began his assault. Officials said earlier reports of a second attacker turned out to be false, and they now believe there is no additional threat.
The FBI and local authorities are working together to uncover more details about the suspect and his possible motives. Officials have not yet released information about his background, but White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said that Soliman is a foreign national who had overstayed his visa. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation.
The attack comes less than two weeks after a separate incident in Washington, D.C., where two Israeli embassy staff members were killed outside a Jewish museum. In that case, the attacker also shouted “Free Palestine” during the assault. These repeated acts of violence are raising concerns about a possible pattern of rising antisemitic hate crimes in the United States.
Officials from both the United States and Israel condemned the Boulder attack. Several high-level leaders referred to it as an antisemitic terror act. The Israeli-American Council described the event as a violent attack targeting Jews, and multiple Jewish advocacy groups have called for stronger protection and awareness.
As investigations continue, the community in Boulder is trying to recover from the shock. Local and national organizations are urging people to remain united, stay alert, and report any suspicious behavior.
