Terror Strikes Boulder: Makeshift Flamethrower Attack at Pro-Israel Rally Shakes Community
On a sunny Sunday afternoon in Boulder, Colorado, a terrifying act of violence unfolded on a busy pedestrian mall, sending shockwaves through the community and beyond. A man wielding what authorities are calling a "makeshift flamethrower" unleashed flames on a group of peaceful pro-Israel demonstrators, resulting in multiple burn injuries and a city left grappling with an unsettling act of terrorism.
What Happened?
Just before 1:30 p.m., police received frantic calls reporting a man with a weapon setting people on fire at the intersection of 13th Street and Pearl Street — a popular downtown pedestrian zone known for its lively atmosphere. When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from burns.
Eight people, ranging in age from 52 to 88, were rushed to local hospitals for treatment. Four were treated at Boulder Community Hospital, while two others were airlifted to a specialized burn unit in Aurora. Among the injured, one victim was listed in critical condition.
The Suspect and the Attack
The FBI quickly identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman. According to FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek, witnesses heard Soliman shouting “Free Palestine” as he attacked the crowd with the improvised flamethrower and threw an incendiary device.
Soliman was apprehended without incident and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Authorities are currently treating this as a targeted terrorist attack fueled by ideological hatred.
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino shared that “early information, evidence, and witness accounts” strongly indicate this was an act of “ideologically motivated violence,” part of a disturbing trend of escalating attacks on Jewish communities and their supporters.
The Context: Rising Tensions and Recent Violence
This attack didn’t happen in isolation. Over the past few months, there has been a noticeable spike in violence targeting Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States. Some recent incidents include:
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April: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence was attacked with Molotov cocktails after he shared a family Passover celebration post.
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May: Two Israeli Embassy staffers were tragically shot and killed in Washington, D.C., in an incident described by officials as a terror attack. The suspect reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” during the shooting.
These incidents highlight a growing wave of antisemitic violence — and Sunday’s attack in Boulder sadly fits within this broader, troubling pattern.
What Was the Demonstration About?
The pro-Israel rally targeted by the attack was a “Run for Their Lives” walk — an event meant to raise awareness about hostages currently held in Gaza. Organized globally, this movement calls for the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas, aiming to unite communities in support of peace and human rights.
Miri Kornfeld, a spokesperson for the Run for Their Lives organization, described the horrifying moment when the flamethrower was unleashed, quoting a walk leader who said it felt as if “the floor was burning beneath them.” In light of the attack, all upcoming Run for Their Lives events have been suspended indefinitely.
Official Responses and Condemnations
The attack came on the eve of Shavuot, a significant Jewish holiday, which made the act feel “all the more chilling and cruel,” according to Leo Terrell, head of the Justice Department’s antisemitism task force.
Here’s what some key figures had to say:
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Leo Terrell called the incident an “antisemitic terrorist attack,” emphasizing it’s part of a larger “horrific and escalating wave of violence targeting Jews and their supporters simply for being Jewish or standing up for Jewish lives.”
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Colorado Governor Jared Polis took to social media, condemning the incident as a “heinous act of terror” and assuring the public that state and federal agencies are working closely on the investigation.
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White House officials confirmed that former President Donald Trump was briefed on the attack, underscoring its gravity at the national level.
Despite the initial hesitation from Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn to label the attack outright as terrorism, describing it first as a “tragedy” and “unacceptable,” the FBI’s classification as a targeted terror act signals a serious investigation into the motives and implications of this violent event.
The Incident’s Broader Impact
The violent attack in Boulder isn’t just an isolated criminal act — it is part of a dangerous trend that poses a real threat to safety and civil discourse in America. Here are some important takeaways:
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Escalating Antisemitism: This attack underlines a rise in antisemitic hate crimes and terror acts across the country, particularly linked to international conflicts.
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Ideologically Motivated Violence: Authorities confirm that the suspect’s actions were driven by extremist views connected to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Community Vulnerability: Peaceful protests and demonstrations, like the Run for Their Lives walk, are now at increased risk of becoming targets for hate-driven violence.
What’s Next?
Law enforcement agencies are deep in the process of piecing together all aspects of the attack. The FBI and local police are working hand-in-hand to examine evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the suspect’s background and connections.
Meanwhile, the community is mourning the victims and rallying together to condemn hate. Officials continue to urge vigilance and unity, reminding everyone that violence based on religion or political views cannot be tolerated in a society that values freedom and respect.
Quick Facts Recap: Boulder Flamethrower Attack
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Date: Sunday afternoon (just before 1:30 p.m.)
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Location: 13th Street and Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado
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Suspect: Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45
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Weapon: Makeshift flamethrower and incendiary device
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Victims: 8 hospitalized (ages 52–88), one critical
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Motive: Ideologically motivated terror attack linked to pro-Palestinian slogans
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Event Targeted: Pro-Israel “Run for Their Lives” walk
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Official Response: FBI investigating as terrorism; White House, DOJ, and state officials condemning attack
Final Thoughts
The attack on Boulder’s pedestrian mall serves as a harsh reminder of the dangerous intersections between international conflicts and local safety. When ideology fuels violence, it threatens the very fabric of peaceful communities.
As this investigation continues, the hope remains that justice will be served and that awareness will foster stronger protections against hate crimes. Above all, communities must stand together to reject violence and uphold the values of respect, tolerance, and peace.
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