A peaceful walk at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall turned into chaos Sunday afternoon when a man attacked a group gathered in support of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, used Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower, injuring at least people, some critically. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with flames, screams, and people running for their lives as the attack unfolded around:30 p.m. local time.
Authorities say Soliman, an Egyptian national, shouted political slogans including “Free Palestine” and “End Zionist!” as he targeted the group, which included several elderly participants. Among the victims were four women and four men, ages 52 to 88. One victim, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, was seriously injured. Several others were hospitalized with burns, and two were airlifted to a burn unit for emergency treatment.
The FBI and Boulder Police quickly responded, evacuating several blocks of the busy downtown area and searching for additional devices. Officials have classified the attack as an act of terrorism and a federal hate crime. Soliman was arrested at the scene and now faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and hate crimes.
Community leaders and state officials, including Governor Jared Polis, condemned the attack as an assault on Boulder’s values of inclusivity and safety. Hundreds gathered at a vigil to honor the victims, expressing resilience and unity in the face of violence.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities emphasizing there is no indication of additional suspects or broader threats to the community. Pearl Street Mall has since reopened, but the city remains on alert as Boulder processes the aftermath of one of its most shocking attacks in recent memory.
