BOULDER, CO (LOOTPRESS) — A peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in downtown Boulder turned violent Sunday afternoon when a man allegedly used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device at participants, sending eight people to the hospital with burn injuries. Authorities are calling the act a targeted terror attack.
The suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was taken into custody without incident near the scene at 13th and Pearl Street. Witnesses reported that Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” as he attacked a crowd participating in the Run for Their Lives walk — an event held globally to raise awareness for hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
Victims, ranging in age from 52 to 88, were rushed to area hospitals, with one person listed in critical condition. Two victims were airlifted to a burn unit in Aurora, according to Boulder Police. The remaining injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
The FBI, now leading the investigation, said early evidence and witness accounts indicate the assault was ideologically motivated. FBI Director Kash Patel called it a “targeted terror attack,” and Deputy Director Dan Bongino emphasized it as part of a disturbing pattern of violent antisemitism.
Soliman faces multiple felony charges, including use of an incendiary device, and is being held on a $10 million bond at the Boulder County Jail.
The incident occurred just before 1:30 p.m., moments before the start of the Jewish holiday Shavuot. Federal officials noted the timing as “particularly cruel,” with Leo Terrell of the DOJ’s antisemitism task force describing it as part of an “escalating wave of violence” targeting Jewish communities and their supporters.
“This was not an isolated incident,” Terrell said. “This antisemitic terrorist attack reflects a disturbing trend of hate-fueled violence.”
President Donald Trump has been briefed, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the violence as a “heinous act of terror.” While Boulder Police initially avoided labeling the attack as terrorism, they now acknowledge it as a major criminal investigation with federal involvement.
Miri Kornfeld, spokesperson for Run for Their Lives, said one witness described the horrifying moment as “the floor burning beneath them.” The organization has since suspended all future events until further notice.
The attack follows a string of recent violent incidents tied to antisemitic motives, including the fatal shooting of Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C., and an attempted firebombing at the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Authorities are asking anyone with photos or video of Sunday’s incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
