BOULDER, Colo. — Authorities have arrested a suspect in what federal officials are describing as a “targeted act of violence” that left eight people burned during a pro-Israel walk at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall on Sunday. The FBI has confirmed it is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, following eyewitness accounts that the attacker used a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails.
The suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was taken into custody shortly after the 1:26 p.m. attack. According to FBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Michalek, Soliman shouted “free Palestine” and “End Zionist!” while launching incendiary devices at participants of a peaceful march calling attention to Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
“This was a clear, targeted act of violence,” Michalek said, noting that the investigation is proceeding under federal counterterrorism protocols.
Soliman, an Egyptian national, entered the U.S. in 2022 on a non-immigrant visa that expired in February 2023. He had recently been residing in Colorado Springs. On Sunday evening, the FBI executed a court-authorized operation in El Paso County, tied to the Boulder investigation.
The victims, four men and four women ranging in age from 52 to 88, were participating in the weekly Run For Their Lives walk. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said one of the victims was in critical condition. Among those injured was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, described by Rabbi Israel Wilhelm of the University of Colorado Boulder as a “loving and resilient soul who had already survived one genocide.” Another victim was identified as a professor at the University of Colorado.
The attack unfolded in front of the historic Boulder County Courthouse at the intersection of 13th Street and Pearl Street. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of chaos and fire, with victims writhing in pain and bystanders rushing to douse the flames with water. A burn scar was left on the ground as evidence of the assault.
UCHealth confirmed two victims were airlifted to its burn unit. Four others were treated at Boulder Community Health, with all but one later discharged or transferred by Sunday night.
Run For Their Lives organizers stated that Sunday’s event was intended as a peaceful walk to raise awareness for Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Around 30 people had gathered at 1 p.m. to march through the Pearl Street Mall, stopping at the courthouse for a moment of remembrance.
Ed Victor, one of the march participants, described the moment of impact: “I felt the heat. It was a Molotov cocktail. Someone on fire, flames rising as high as a tree. We did our best to extinguish it and care for the injured.” A marcher with medical experience provided first aid, while others scrambled to assist.
Street performer Peter Irish, who arrived minutes after the explosion, called the aftermath “traumatic,” describing scenes of people burned and in shock.
Prominent officials condemned the attack in strong terms. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who is Jewish, labeled the act a “heinous and targeted attack on the Jewish community,” noting its timing just before Shavuot and its disturbing echo of recent antisemitic violence in Washington, D.C.
“This community was peacefully advocating for hostages held by terrorists, and they were brutally attacked,” Polis said. “Hate is unacceptable in Colorado, and I demand the suspect be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the assault “cold-blooded,” saying the victims were targeted “simply because they were Jews.” He urged U.S. authorities to ensure full justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed FBI agents responded quickly to the scene. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the National Counterterrorism Center is assisting in the investigation. “Thank you to first responders for your rapid response. This attack was directed at a peaceful Jewish gathering,” she posted on social media.
Attorney General Phil Weiser called the attack a hate crime. “Violence is never the answer. These brazen, targeted acts must be prosecuted fully. Hate has no place in Colorado,” Weiser stated.
The University of Colorado system president Todd Saliman offered his sympathies, urging the community to vocally and forcefully condemn such hateful violence.
A joint statement from Boulder’s Jewish organizations expressed heartbreak:
“We are saddened and heartbroken by this horrific attack. Our thoughts are with those injured and all who witnessed it. We are working with Boulder PD, SCN, and the FBI to ensure safety and keep our community informed.”
Three blocks of the Pearl Street Mall were evacuated following the attack, with a vehicle of interest later confirmed to belong to the suspect. Authorities lifted the evacuation order after nightfall.
The FBI has not yet filed formal charges, but said its investigation remains active. CBS News reported that the suspect had previously drawn law enforcement attention and had been flagged by the community prior to the attack. Organizers of the march had contacted police multiple times about safety concerns leading up to the event.
As Boulder recovers from this traumatic event, leaders and community members alike are calling for unity, justice, and a renewed focus on preventing extremist violence.
