A shocking terror attack took place in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday afternoon. A man targeted a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration with firebombs and a makeshift flamethrower, leaving at least six people injured. The attack happened at the busy Pearl Street Mall, a popular spot in the city. US authorities have called it a “targeted terror attack” and are investigating it as a possible hate crime.
The demonstration was organised by a group called ‘Run For Their Lives’. Many of the participants were elderly and had gathered to raise awareness about Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. As the group paused outside the old Boulder courthouse, the attacker, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, approached them.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos. Soliman, an Egyptian national who had overstayed his US visa, began shouting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “End Zionists”. Suddenly, he threw Molotov cocktails into the crowd and used a homemade flamethrower. Videos shared online showed Soliman, shirtless and waving bottles, yelling pro-Palestinian slogans as flames broke out among the demonstrators.
The victims, aged between 67 and 88, suffered burns and other injuries. Some were in serious condition and had to be airlifted to hospital. Witnesses said people’s clothes caught fire, and some women had to tear off burning garments. One woman suffered burns to her face and hair. Emergency services reached the scene quickly, and police sealed off the area while bomb squads checked for more threats.
Police detained Soliman at the scene. The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, confirmed that they are treating the case as a terror attack. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser also said that the attack appears to be a hate crime, given the group that was targeted.
MP Shashi Tharoor’s Relief Over No Life Loss
The White House has condemned the attack, and President Donald Trump has been briefed. Indian officials, including MP Shashi Tharoor, who is visiting the US, also condemned the violence. Tharoor said he was relieved that no lives were lost and stressed that “terror has no place in our countries”.
Investigators say Soliman entered the US through Los Angeles International Airport in August 2022 and stayed illegally after his visa expired. Authorities are checking whether he acted alone or had help.
The Boulder attack has raised concerns about the safety of public events in the US and the rise in hate-driven violence. Community leaders have called for unity and calm, and officials have promised to take strong action to ensure justice and prevent future attacks.
This incident is a grim reminder of the dangers of extremism and the need to protect the right to peaceful protest. The investigation is ongoing as the victims recover and the Boulder community tries to cope with the shock of what happened.
