A shocking attack in Boulder, Colorado, left at least eight people injured after a man used a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices during a rally supporting Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Authorities say the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was heard shouting “Free Palestine” as he targeted the crowd gathered on Pearl Street, turning a peaceful demonstration into chaos.
Police responded quickly, apprehending Soliman at the scene. The victims, ranging in age from their fifties to late eighties, suffered burns and other injuries, with several hospitalized—two in serious condition Witnesses described panic as people ran and screamed, with bystanders rushing to help extinguish the flames.
The FBI has classified the incident as a “targeted act of terrorism,” and Soliman faces federal hate crime and attempted murder charges Officials say there is no evidence he acted with accomplices or as part of a larger organization The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the U.S. over the Israel-Gaza conflict, which has fueled a rise in hate crimes and political debate nationwide.
Soliman, an Egyptian national, reportedly overstayed a tourist visa and had previously applied for asylum in Denver His family’s immigration status is now under review, but no charges have been filed against them.
The investigation is ongoing, with local and federal authorities vowing to hold the suspect fully accountable. The Boulder community and officials have condemned the violence, calling for unity and support for the victims as the city recovers from this unprecedented attack.
