A man shouting “Free Palestine” unleashed a makeshift flamethrower on families with children during a peaceful memorial walk for Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado, injuring six people in what the FBI is now investigating as an act of terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- Mohamed Sabry Soliman attacked pro-Israel supporters with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower during a hostage awareness event in Boulder, Colorado.
- The FBI is investigating the incident as “ideologically motivated violence” and an act of terrorism, with six people injured, potentially with burns.
- Children were among those targeted in the attack, which came after major news outlets spread false reports about Israeli soldiers.
- The suspect reportedly shouted “This will end when Palestine is free” during the attack, while some pro-Hamas protesters blamed victims for “antagonizing” the attacker.
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis has condemned the attack, emphasizing that hate-filled acts are unacceptable in the state.
Terror on Pearl Street Mall
What should have been a solemn event highlighting the plight of Israeli hostages held by Hamas turned into chaos Sunday when a man attacked participants with incendiary devices on Boulder’s popular Pearl Street Mall. Mohamed Sabry Soliman reportedly used a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails to target the peaceful gathering, which included families with children. The attack left six people injured, likely suffering from burns, though officials have not yet released specific details about the victims’ conditions. The brazen assault represents a disturbing escalation of violence against pro-Israel demonstrators in the United States.
During the attack, witnesses reported that Soliman shouted pro-Palestinian slogans as he targeted the demonstrators. “This will end when Palestine is free,” the attacker reportedly declared as he unleashed his assault on the innocent civilians, according to RedState. Even more disturbing was the reaction from some pro-Hamas protesters at the scene who blamed the victims themselves for the violence. One such protester was captured on video suggesting the victims had “caused this” by “antagonizing” the attacker – a reprehensible attempt to justify a clear act of terrorism against American citizens exercising their First Amendment rights.
FBI Investigation Underway
Federal authorities wasted no time in classifying the incident as a potential act of terrorism. The FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, working alongside local law enforcement to determine the full scope of Soliman’s actions and motivations. The swift response indicates the seriousness with which officials are treating this attack, particularly given its apparent ideological underpinnings. Soliman was quickly apprehended at the scene and remains in custody, though formal charges have not yet been announced as investigators continue gathering evidence.
“This act of terror is being investigated as an act of ideologically motivated violence based on the early information, the evidence, and witness accounts. We will speak clearly on these incidents when the facts warrant it,” said Dan Bongino, FBI Deputy Director.
The Boulder attack represents the latest in a troubling pattern of escalating violence against Jewish and pro-Israel Americans since the October 7th Hamas terror attacks. While law enforcement has moved quickly to address this specific incident, many conservative critics have pointed to the broader climate of anti-Israel rhetoric that may be emboldening such attacks. The incident came shortly after major news outlets spread what RedState describes as a “fake blood libel” against Israel – false reports about Israeli soldiers that may have further inflamed tensions and potentially contributed to the attacker’s mindset.
Community Response
Colorado officials have condemned the attack in strong terms, with Governor Jared Polis issuing a statement rejecting violence and hatred. Despite the trauma inflicted on the community, many Boulder residents have expressed their determination not to be intimidated by such acts of terror. The attack has also renewed calls for increased security at events supporting Israel or Jewish causes, which have increasingly become targets for violence across the country. This incident follows just four years after another major attack in Boulder – the 2021 supermarket shooting that left 10 people dead.
“He’s right there. He’s throwing Molotov cocktails,” said Dan Bongino, FBI Deputy Director. Witnesses exclaimed during the chaotic scene, highlighting the terror experienced by those present.
The targeting of a peaceful memorial walk for hostages held by a terrorist organization represents a particularly heinous form of attack. The event was intended to raise awareness about those still being held captive by Hamas following the October 7th massacre – a humanitarian concern that transcends political divides. Instead, the participants themselves became victims of terrorism on American soil. As the investigation continues, many conservative commentators are calling for a broader examination of the rhetoric and misinformation that may be contributing to such attacks, particularly from media outlets and activists calling for a “global intifada.“
