A violent act of terror shook the city of Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday afternoon when a man launched a fiery assault on a peaceful demonstration organized by the local Jewish community. Authorities have identified the suspect as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, of Colorado Springs, who was swiftly apprehended at the scene. The FBI (The Federal Bureau of Investigation) has confirmed it is investigating the incident as a “targeted act of terrorism.”
The attack occurred during the weekly “Run for Their Lives” walk—an event held to raise awareness for Israeli hostages still held in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Around 2:00 p.m., Soliman reportedly approached demonstrators near Pearl Street Mall, yelling “End Zionists,” “Free Palestine,” and “They are killers” before deploying a makeshift flamethrower and throwing Molotov cocktails into the crowd.
Victims and Casualties
At least eight people—four men and four women aged 52 to 88—were injured in the attack. Some sustained serious burn injuries, and two victims were flown by helicopter to a burn unit in Denver. One victim is reported to be in critical condition, and another is a Holocaust survivor, according to Rabbi Israel Wilhelm of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Chabad center.
Witness accounts describe scenes of chaos and horror, with bystanders using clothes and water to extinguish flames from burning victims. “Each victim I saw had skin melted or hanging from their legs,” one witness told FOX31.
The Suspect
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national whose visa reportedly expired in March 2025, was subdued and taken into custody at the scene after witnesses identified him to police. He was also injured and received medical treatment before being transferred to the Boulder County Jail, where he awaits formal charges.
Officials say Soliman acted alone, and while there’s no indication of affiliation with a specific terrorist organization, the motivation is being treated as hate-driven and ideologically inspired.
Law Enforcement and Political Response
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn confirmed the attacker used an incendiary device and an improvised weapon. The FBI’s Mark Michalek reiterated the federal agency’s stance, calling it a clear “targeted act of violence.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis called the event a “heinous act of terror,” pledging state support for the ongoing investigation. Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents the Boulder district, expressed shock and offered prayers for the victims. The White House has also confirmed that President Biden has been briefed.
Community in Mourning
The Jewish community has responded with sorrow and resilience. A statement from Boulder’s Jewish leaders expressed heartbreak, noting: “When events like this enter our community, we are shaken. We hope that we come together for one another.”
National Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Simon Wiesenthal Center, have condemned the attack. The latter warned of a growing wave of antisemitic violence in the U.S., citing this as the second major assault on Jewish or Israeli targets in recent weeks.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI, local police, and federal prosecutors are continuing their probe. Charges are expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, law enforcement has cordoned off Soliman’s residence in Colorado Springs for further investigation.
As Boulder reels from this act of violence, security has been heightened around Jewish institutions in the area. The Run for Their Lives organizers vowed to continue their weekly demonstrations, stating: “We will not be intimidated into silence.”
