On Sunday, Mohamed Soliman attacked a group of protesting Jewish people in Boulder, Colorado, in a rampage. The group, known as ‘Run for Their Lives,’ had gathered at the busy Pearl Street pedestrian mall.
The protesters were peacefully demanding the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Abruptly, Soliman hurled Molotov cocktails at the protesters, burning eight victims between the ages of 52 and 88. The FBI have termed the attack a “targeted terror attack” and arrested Soliman on the spot.
The Attack and Victims
Burned victims were injured from minor to critical injuries, according to confirmation by Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn. Some victims were seen bearing severe burns, such as one woman lying on the ground drenched in water.
Lynn Segal, a 72-year-old demonstrator and Palestine activist, saw the attack. She recalled experiencing a “rope of fire” as well as two enormous flares before everything erupted into chaos. She was afraid of being mistakenly accused of backing the attacker despite wearing her pro-Palestine t-shirt.
Suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman Arrested
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, age 45, was arrested on the scene. He is seen in videos bare-chested with two bottles of liquid that appears to be clear, known to be Molotov cocktails, screaming “Free Palestine.” Police quickly subdued him after eyewitnesses alerted them.
Officials have yet to release the motive but are actively exploring it. The FBI classifies the attack as terrorism based on ideology for hatred.
Law Enforcement Response and Broader Context
FBI Special Agent Mark D. Michalek explained that witnesses indicated Soliman employed a improvised flamethrower during the attack. The Justice Department denounced the act of violence and attributed it to a series of attacks on Jewish Americans.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the agency will give updates as facts are established.
Impact and Ongoing Investigation
This assault adds to concerns of increasing ideologically driven violence in the US. It underscores the risks to peaceful protesters in a politicized setting. Police are still interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. They promise to hold Mohamed Sabry Soliman completely accountable. In the meantime, the community grieves and stands with the victims, who are majorly older.
The Boulder attack serves as a grim reminder that there is a need for vigilance against hate-fuelled violence. It demands greater protection for all citizens, particularly those who are exercising their right of peaceful protest.