On Sunday, 1st June 2025, a peaceful demonstration advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza was violently disrupted in Boulder, Colorado. The FBI has classified the incident as a “targeted terror attack.”
🕒 Incident Overview
- Date & Time: Sunday, 1st June 2025, approximately 1:26 PM MDT
- Location: Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, Colorado
- Event: ‘Run for Their Lives’ solidarity walk organized by the Boulder Jewish Community Centre
- Nature of Attack: Assailant used a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails
- Casualties: Nine individuals injured, including the suspect
👤 Suspect Details
- Name: Mohamed Sabry Soliman
- Age: 45
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Immigration Status: Overstayed work visa; residing illegally in the U.S.
- Charges: Facing federal terrorism and attempted murder charges
- Current Status: Hospitalized with injuries sustained during the attack
👥 Victim Information
| Age Range | Number of Victims | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 52–88 | 8 | 2 in critical care |
- Among the victims is an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.
- Victims suffered severe burns; some were airlifted to specialized burn units.
🗣️ Witness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported the attacker shouting phrases such as “End Zionists!” and “Free Palestine!” during the assault. One bystander described the horrifying scene:
“The skin was basically melted… people were screaming and trying to put out the flames.”
🕵️♂️ Investigation Status
- Lead Agency: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Classification: Ideologically motivated terrorism
- Local Authorities: Boulder Police Department is assisting with the investigation
- Security Measures: Area secured; bomb squads and canine units deployed to search for additional threats
🏛️ Official Responses
- FBI Director Kash Patel: Confirmed the incident as a “targeted terror attack.”
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis: Condemned the act as a “vicious act of terrorism.”
- Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon: Stated, “Terrorism against Jews does not stop at the Gaza border—it is already burning the streets of America.”
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Asserted, “Terror has no place in our great country.”
📈 Contextual Background
This attack is part of a concerning trend of rising antisemitic incidents in the United States, coinciding with heightened tensions due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Just weeks prior, two Israeli embassy staffers were fatally shot outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., by an assailant shouting “Free Palestine.”
The Boulder Jewish community, comprising approximately 15% of the city’s population, has been on high alert following these events. Local organizations have called for increased security measures and community solidarity in the face of escalating threats.
📝 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Date | 1st June 2025 |
| Time | Approximately 1:26 PM MDT |
| Location | Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, Colorado |
| Event | ‘Run for Their Lives’ solidarity walk |
| Attacker | Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, Egyptian national |
| Weapon Used | Makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails |
| Injuries | 9 (including suspect); 2 in critical condition |
| Investigation | Led by FBI; classified as terrorism |
The community remains vigilant as investigations continue, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
