Overview of the Boulder Attack
On a Sunday afternoon, a violent anti-Semitic attack occurred at the Pearl Street Mall, a bustling pedestrian area in downtown Boulder, Colorado. The assailant, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, launched homemade incendiary devices at participants of a peaceful Jewish event. The attack caused injuries to eight individuals, including a Holocaust survivor in her 80s.
Details of the Incident
During the event organized by "Run for Their Lives," a group advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, Soliman reportedly shouted "Free Palestine" while attacking the crowd with a garden sprayer filled with petrol acting as a flamethrower, followed by at least two Molotov cocktails. Witnesses described the scene as horrifying, with one captured video featuring bystanders shouting warnings about the Molotov cocktails being thrown.
Injuries and Victims
- Ages of the injured ranged from 52 to 88 years old.
- Victims suffered burns and other injuries from the incendiary attack.
- A Holocaust survivor was among those injured, expressing the attack felt like an assault on the entire community.
Perpetrator Profile and Legal Actions
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was apprehended at the scene after parts of his clothing caught fire. He sustained burns to his hands and was treated in a hospital. Authorities discovered an additional 16 Molotov cocktails in the vicinity, indicating premeditation. Federal investigators revealed Soliman had been planning the attack for over a year.
Immigration Status and Charges
- Soliman entered the United States on a tourist visa in August 2022.
- He later applied for asylum, but his visa expired in February 2023, leaving him without legal status.
- He has been charged with federal hate crimes, with the case citing motivations based on race, religion, or national origin.
Official and Community Responses
The FBI described the attack as an act of ideologically motivated violence and has deployed leadership on the ground for ongoing investigations. Boulder Police confirmed that no fatalities occurred, and local leaders emphasized unity despite the traumatic event. Rabbi Fred Greene expressed the community’s pain and the need for mutual support.
In response to the attack, the weekly walk organized by the group has been temporarily suspended. An official statement reiterated the suspect’s identity and indicated further updates would be provided.
International Condemnation
Global leaders have condemned the incident. Israel’s Prime Minister characterized the assault as a "vicious terror attack" targeting peaceful individuals and extended prayers for the injured.
Summary
This incident highlights the ongoing risks of ideologically motivated violence in the United States and underscores the importance of community resilience and law enforcement vigilance against hate crimes.
