Firebomb Attack at Boulder Pro-Israel Gathering Injures Six
Six individuals were injured following a firebomb attack at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado, during a pro-Israel demonstration. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly used an improvised flamethrower against the crowd while shouting slogans.
Details of the Incident and Suspect
The attack occurred on June 1, 2025, at the popular four-block pedestrian Pearl Street Mall, where people had gathered to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The FBI has classified the act as a targeted terror attack based on preliminary facts.
The suspect, Soliman, was taken into custody and sustained injuries during the incident; he was hospitalized for treatment. Authorities have not yet filed charges.
Victims and Emergency Response
Emergency services transported six victims aged between 67 and 88 to local hospitals. Many sustained burns consistent with being set on fire. Witnesses at the scene described chaos, with young women suffering burns and bystanders urgently trying to provide aid.
- One witness reported seeing a man wielding a glass bottle filled with clear liquid, presumably used in the attack.
- Video footage captured sounds of a person shouting about Molotov cocktails during the police response.
Official Statements and Investigation
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn confirmed that the attacker acted alone and emphasized the tragic nature of the violence. The FBI and Colorado authorities are investigating the event as ideologically motivated violence and a potential hate crime. DOJ representatives condemned the act as senseless violence, contextualizing it amid recent attacks against Jewish Americans.
Context of Rising Tensions and Related Incidents
This incident follows a fatal shooting in Washington involving Israeli embassy workers, highlighting escalating tensions in the United States around the conflict in Gaza. The violence and political polarization relate to the ongoing humanitarian crisis following Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack and Israel's subsequent military operations.
Law enforcement continues to secure and investigate the area, with multiple blocks evacuated and heightened patrols around the shopping district.
