Violent Incident in Boulder Mall Leaves Eight Injured
A dramatic scene unfolded at Boulder, Colorado’s Pearl Street pedestrian mall when a man reportedly using a homemade flamethrower attacked a group advocating for Israeli hostages in Gaza. The suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, shouted “Free Palestine” and threw an incendiary device, resulting in injuries to eight individuals, according to law enforcement.
Soliman was detained and is currently held at the Boulder County jail. The FBI is treating the incident as a terrorist act. No details have been released regarding his court appearance.
This attack coincided with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, amidst heightened global tensions due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The incident is part of a broader trend of increased antisemitic violence in the U.S., following a similar attack where a man fatally shot two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington.
Nationwide Security Measures Heightened
In response to the attack, the New York Police Department has increased security at religious sites throughout the city. Mark Michalek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Denver field office, commented, “Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country.”
The victims, aged 52 to 88, sustained injuries ranging from serious to minor. The attack targeted a group called Run For Their Lives, which organizes weekly demonstrations for hostages in Gaza. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect with a Molotov cocktail, leading to a chaotic scene as bystanders attempted to help the injured.
Among the onlookers was Alex Osante from San Diego, who captured video footage of the aftermath. He described hearing a bottle crash and a subsequent explosion, causing panic among the crowd.
Suspect’s Actions and Arrest
Following the initial attack, the suspect reportedly attempted to throw another incendiary device but accidentally set himself on fire. Soliman was seen removing his shirt and a bulletproof vest before being apprehended by police.
Lynn Segal, a participant in the gathering, expressed her concern about being mistakenly associated with the attacker, despite her long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. “There were people who were burning, I wanted to help,” she said while clarifying her stance.
Investigations and Reactions
The authorities believe Soliman acted alone and are not pursuing any other suspects. Although no formal charges have been announced, officials are committed to holding him accountable. Soliman sustained injuries and was hospitalized, though details remain undisclosed.
The FBI quickly labeled the event a terrorist attack. Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated, “This act of terror is being investigated as an act of ideologically motivated violence.”
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas plays a significant role in these incidents. The war, initiated by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in extensive casualties and destruction in Gaza.
This attack in Boulder bears a stark resemblance to a previous incident four years ago when a mass shooting at a grocery store claimed ten lives.
In the wake of the attack, several blocks of the mall were evacuated, and law enforcement, including K-9 units, scoured the area for further threats, urging the public to maintain distance.
