A peaceful march to raise awareness for Israeli hostages turned violent on Sunday when a man attacked participants with incendiary devices at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado, injuring six people in what federal authorities described as a "targeted act of terrorism." The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was taken into custody without incident.
The attack occurred during the weekly "Run for Their Lives" walk organized to show solidarity with hostages held in Gaza. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Michalek said Soliman used a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails and was heard yelling "free Palestine" and "End Zionist!" during the assault. The FBI has classified the incident as an ideologically motivated terror attack.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated agents were actively investigating at the scene, while Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed early evidence indicated the violence was intentional and ideologically driven. Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, said the National Counterterrorism Center was coordinating with federal and local law enforcement.
The victims, ranging in age from 67 to 88, were gathered outside the historic Boulder County Courthouse. One victim remains in critical condition, according to Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn. Two were airlifted to UCHealth's burn unit, while four others were taken to Boulder Community Hospital.
"I felt the heat... It was a Molotov cocktail equivalent, a gas bomb in a glass jar," said marcher Ed Victor, who has been participating in the weekly walks since Hamas' October 7 attack. He recounted seeing someone engulfed in flames and others rushing with water to help. "It was traumatic to watch," said local performer Peter Irish, who witnessed the chaotic aftermath.
Law enforcement cordoned off three blocks of the pedestrian mall and confirmed that a vehicle belonging to the suspect was located within the secured area. Authorities said the scene was still not deemed safe several hours after the incident, which took place around 1:26 p.m. local time.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the assault, calling it a "heinous act of terror," and emphasized that "hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable." Attorney General Phil Weiser said the attack appeared to be a hate crime and added, "People may have differing views about world events and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but violence is never the answer."
Miri Kornfeld, a spokesperson for Run for Their Lives, said the walk was meant to be a peaceful demonstration. She confirmed that all future events have been canceled for now. The organization describes itself as a global network advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
A joint statement from Boulder's Jewish community expressed heartbreak and concern: "We are saddened and heartbroken... Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured."
The attack occurred on the eve of Shavuot, a significant Jewish holiday, which Leo Terrell, head of the Justice Department's antisemitism task force, said made the act "all the more chilling and cruel." Terrell added, "This antisemitic terrorist attack is part of a horrific and escalating wave of violence targeting Jews and their supporters."
