Overview of the Boulder Fire Bomb Attack
At least six individuals were injured during a targeted attack outside a mall in Boulder, Colorado. The attack occurred near Pearl Street Mall, where supporters of Israel had gathered to raise awareness about hostages held in Gaza amid escalating tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) classified the incident as a "targeted terror attack." Authorities have identified 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman as the suspect responsible for throwing Molotov cocktails at participants of the demonstration.
Suspect's Background and Arrest
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, entered the United States on a non-immigrant visa in August 2022, arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. According to available information, he overstayed his visa, which was valid until February 2, 2023.
He subsequently applied for work authorization and was granted this status through March 2024. Despite no charges having been officially announced at the time, authorities have stated their intention to hold Soliman fully accountable for his actions.
Soliman was detained without incident and sustained minor injuries. Police have not yet disclosed the exact motive for the attack.
Details and Context of the Incident
Video footage circulating online shows Soliman wearing jeans and sunglasses during the attack, shouting slogans such as "Free Palestine" and derogatory remarks against Zionists. The attack targeted a peaceful gathering organized by a volunteer group advocating for attention to hostages in Gaza.
This incident follows a recent fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., further intensifying concerns regarding escalating politically motivated violence in the United States.
Official Responses and Investigation
The FBI continues to treat the Boulder event as an act of ideologically motivated terrorism. The Justice Department condemned the attack as a "needless act of violence," especially in light of recent antisemitic incidents.
FBI Deputy Director emphasized a commitment to investigating the attack thoroughly and communicating findings responsibly as evidence emerges.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the act, stating that "hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable." This event draws painful parallels to the 2019 grocery store shooting in Boulder, which resulted in four fatalities.
Public Reactions and Political Commentary
The suspect's immigration status has sparked debate on social media, with some voices calling for increased immigration enforcement and deportations. However, law enforcement and government officials focus on legal proceedings and thorough investigation over politicizing the case.
