What to know about the Boulder, Colorado, attack and suspect in custody

Published: Monday, June 2, 2025 at 7:24 pm

Boulder Attack: What We Know About the Targeted Terrorism Incident

A devastating attack in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, targeting a pro-Israeli hostage demonstration, has left eight people injured and the community reeling. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, confirming it was a targeted attack. The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman, is in custody and faces multiple felony charges, including a federal hate crime charge.

The attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. at the Pearl Street Mall, near the Boulder County Courthouse, where a weekly march organized by "Run for Their Lives" was taking place. The group was advocating for the release of hostages taken from Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Witnesses reported Soliman using a "makeshift flamethrower" and Molotov cocktails, causing burns to multiple victims.

The injured, ranging in age from 52 to 88, included four women and four men. One victim is in critical condition, and another is an 88-year-old Holocaust refugee. The attack has been widely condemned, with Colorado Governor Jared Polis calling it a "heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community."

Soliman, an Egyptian national who arrived in the US in 2022, allegedly shouted "Free Palestine" and "End Zionist" during the attack. According to an affidavit, he admitted to planning the attack for a year and stated his intent to kill "all Zionist people." He reportedly researched how to make Molotov cocktails online and purchased the necessary materials. Soliman had previously worked at a medical clinic and was recently driving for Uber, passing background checks. Authorities are continuing their investigation, including conducting law enforcement activity in El Paso County.

Keywords: Boulder attack, Colorado, terrorism, Mohamed Soliman, hate crime, Pearl Street Mall, Run for Their Lives, Israeli hostages, Gaza, antisemitism, flamethrower, Molotov cocktails, Jewish community, FBI, targeted attack, violence, Zionists, Free Palestine, End Zionist

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