Colorado Flamethrower Attack Injures 8, FBI Investigates Terrorism/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A man wielding a makeshift flamethrower injured eight people during a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado. The attacker, shouting “Free Palestine,” threw incendiary devices before being arrested. The FBI is treating the act as ideologically motivated domestic terrorism.
Boulder Flamethrower Attack Quick Looks
- Suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, arrested after violent attack in Boulder, Colorado
- Yelled “Free Palestine” during assault on pro-Israel rally for Gaza hostages
- Eight injured, ages 52 to 88, with burns ranging from minor to serious
- FBI investigating attack as domestic terrorism
- Incident occurred during Shavuot, a Jewish holiday, adding to the emotional toll
- Tensions fueled by Israel-Hamas conflict and rise in antisemitic violence
- Suspect caught fire and removed a vest before surrendering
- Victims part of Run For Their Lives, a volunteer group for hostages
- Police evacuated Pearl Street Mall; no further suspects identified
- Attack follows recent violence against Jewish communities in the U.S.
Deep Look: FBI Investigates Boulder Flamethrower Attack as Domestic Terrorism
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — A shocking act of violence erupted Sunday in downtown Boulder, Colorado, as a man armed with a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices injured eight people at a public demonstration held to raise awareness for Israeli hostages in Gaza.
The attacker, identified by authorities as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” before throwing Molotov cocktails into the crowd gathered at the popular Pearl Street pedestrian mall. The FBI has classified the incident as an act of terrorism, fueled by ideological motivations, and the Department of Justice condemned it as part of a disturbing trend of antisemitic violence.
The Attack: Chaos on Pearl Street
Witnesses described a scene of confusion and panic as fire erupted in front of a group affiliated with Run For Their Lives, a volunteer organization holding weekly demonstrations in support of Israeli hostages. The attack came on the first day of Shavuot, a sacred Jewish holiday.
Video footage from bystanders captured the terrifying moments: the sound of breaking glass, a loud explosion, and people screaming. One clip shows police with weapons drawn approaching the bare-chested suspect, who appeared to be holding two containers.
After initially launching the assault, Soliman reportedly retreated briefly, then reemerged with another Molotov cocktail. During this second attempt, he accidentally ignited himself, dropped what appeared to be a bulletproof vest, and then surrendered without resistance.
Victims and Witness Accounts
Eight individuals, ranging in age from 52 to 88, suffered injuries, including serious burns. Emergency responders and fellow demonstrators sprang into action, dousing flames and calling for help. One woman was seen on fire, with others pouring water on her in a desperate effort to assist.
Lynn Segal, a participant at the demonstration, recounted how a “rope of fire” flashed before her eyes. Despite wearing a pro-Palestinian shirt, Segal tried to help the injured but feared being mistaken for an accomplice.
“There were people who were burning, I wanted to help,” she said. “But I didn’t want to be associated with the perpetrator.”
Law Enforcement Response
Police quickly evacuated multiple blocks of the pedestrian mall. Agents with police dogs patrolled the area, searching for additional threats, while instructing civilians to remain clear of the scene.
Mark Michalek, the FBI special agent in charge of the Denver field office, stated, “This is an example of how perpetrators of violence continue to threaten communities across the nation.” FBI officials added that the suspect acted alone, and no additional suspects are being sought.
Official Reactions and Global Context
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences, calling it a “vicious terror attack”. “This attack was aimed against peaceful people who wished to express their solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas, simply because they were Jews,” he said.
The attack comes amid heightened global tensions driven by the Israel-Hamas war, which erupted after the October 7, 2023 Hamas raid into southern Israel. The assault claimed around 1,200 Israeli lives and led to the capture of roughly 250 hostages. As of today, Hamas is believed to still hold 58 hostages, with only a third thought to be alive.
In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza that has, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, killed over 54,000 people, primarily women and children. The Ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its reports. The war has left 90% of Gaza’s population displaced and reliant on international aid.
Previous Incidents and Broader Threat Landscape
This act of violence is reminiscent of previous antisemitic attacks across the United States. Just last week, a man also shouting “Free Palestine” fatally shot two Israeli embassy staffers near a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C.
In Boulder, the memory of tragedy is still fresh. Four years ago, a mass shooting at a local grocery store left 10 dead, reminding residents of the area’s vulnerability to violence.
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