BOULDER, CO — A peaceful rally in downtown Boulder turned into a scene of terror on Sunday, June 1, when a man attacked participants with incendiary devices, injuring eight individuals. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism and a potential hate crime.
The attack occurred during a weekly event organized by “Run for Their Lives,” a global movement advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Participants had gathered at the Pearl Street Mall to walk in solidarity and raise awareness about the hostages’ plight. The event coincided with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, adding to its significance for many attendees.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailant, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, approached the group shirtless and barefoot, brandishing a makeshift flamethrower and hurling Molotov cocktails. He reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” and other anti-Zionist slogans during the assault. Eight people, ranging in age from 52 to 88, sustained burn injuries; two were airlifted to a specialized burn unit in Aurora, while the others were treated at local hospitals. One of the victims is an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.
Soliman was apprehended at the scene by law enforcement officers and is currently hospitalized for injuries sustained during the attack. The Department of Homeland Security revealed that Soliman, an Egyptian national, had entered the U.S. on a B2 tourist visa in August 2022 and applied for asylum the following month. His visa expired in February 2023, and although he was granted a work permit, it lapsed in March 2025, rendering his stay in the country unauthorized.
Federal authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, are treating the incident as a targeted terrorist attack driven by ideological motives. Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the act, stating, “This was a heinous and cowardly attack on people peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights.” Attorney General Phil Weiser echoed the sentiment, labeling it a hate crime against the Jewish community.
The Boulder community, known for its vibrant Jewish population, has been deeply shaken by the event. Local organizations, including JEWISHcolorado and the Anti-Defamation League, have expressed solidarity with the victims and are coordinating support efforts. A community gathering is planned later this week to stand against hate and promote unity.
This attack follows a similar incident in Washington, D.C., on May 21, where two Israeli Embassy staffers were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum. The suspect in that case, Elias Rodriguez, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” upon arrest. These events underscore a disturbing trend of rising antisemitic violence in the United States.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents in Colorado surged by 199% in 2024, reflecting a nationwide increase in such acts. The FBI has also reported a significant uptick in hate crime investigations targeting Jewish communities since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.
In response to the Boulder attack, law enforcement agencies have heightened security measures around religious institutions and public gatherings. The FBI urges communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
As the investigation continues, the Boulder community and the nation grapple with the implications of this act of terror, reaffirming the need for collective action against hatred and violence.
