Background of the Colorado Firebomb Attack
On June 1, 2025, a violent incident occurred at the Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder, Colorado, where a man threw inflammable devices into a crowd participating in a rally supporting Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The attack seriously injured six elderly people, ranging in age from 67 to 88, with one victim in critical condition.
The suspect was shouting pro-Palestine slogans during the assault and reportedly used makeshift flamethrowers.
Identification of the Suspect
The individual responsible for the attack has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national. Authorities confirmed that he was apprehended with minor injuries and transported to a hospital for treatment.
Immigration Status and Background
- Arrived in the United States on August 27, 2022, at Los Angeles International Airport on a non-immigrant tourist visa.
- Authorized to remain in the US until February 26, 2023, but overstayed his visa.
- Filed for asylum in 2023 and was subsequently granted a work permit by the U.S. administration, which expired on March 28, 2025.
Officials noted that the visa issuance and subsequent work permit were processed under the current administration.
Official Responses and Investigation
The FBI is treating this incident as an act of terrorism. Special Agent Mark Michalek stated that the attack was targeted violence, specifically aimed at participants of the pro-Israel rally. The victims suffered serious burn injuries due to the incendiary devices.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff publicly commented on the suspect’s immigration history, emphasizing the issue of visa overstays.
Context and Related Incidents
This event occurred shortly after another violent episode in the U.S., where two Israeli embassy staffers were fatally shot outside a Jewish museum in Washington, accompanied by similar pro-Palestine slogans.
Summary
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national with an expired visa and work permit, is accused of launching a Molotov cocktail attack targeting a Boulder crowd supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza. The FBI is investigating the attack as terrorism, highlighting ongoing security concerns amid increasing political tensions.
