Flamethrower attack on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall

A peaceful Sunday afternoon on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall turned to chaos when a man armed with a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices attacked a group participating in a weekly march supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza. Authorities have identified the suspect as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, an Egyptian national residing in Colorado Springs. Witnesses reported Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” and other slogans before launching the attack, which officials are investigating as a targeted act of terrorism.

The assault began just after:30 p.m., with Soliman throwing Molotov cocktails and igniting aerosol containers, causing panic as people ran for their lives. Twelve victims, ranging in age from 52 to 88, suffered burn injuries; at least two were airlifted to a burn unit in Aurora, and others were treated at local hospitals Among the injured was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor and a University of Colorado professor.

Police responded within minutes, arresting Soliman at the scene. The area was evacuated as bomb squads and K-9 units searched for additional threats. Soliman faces multiple state charges, including attempted murder, as well as federal hate crime charges.

Law enforcement officials have stated there is no indication Soliman acted as part of a larger group. The FBI and Boulder Police continue their investigation, urging anyone with information or digital evidence to come forward.

The attack has drawn condemnation from state and federal officials, who have pledged a thorough prosecution and called for unity against hate-driven violence The Pearl Street Mall remains under heightened security as the community grapples with the aftermath of the attack.