A suspect has been detained by law enforcement after eight people were injured in an attack on a “Run For Their Lives” event in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday afternoon, a gathering attended by peaceful protesters demanding the release of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas.
The incident occurred around 2pm near the Pearl Street Mall, with eyewitnesses reporting that the attacker shouted “Free Palestine” before firing incendiary devices, including a “makeshift flamethrower” and Molotov cocktails, at the demonstrators, according to the FBI. The bureau says it investigating the incident as a “targeted act of violence”.
The suspect, named as Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is reported to have entered the United States on a visa that expired two years ago and has been living in Colorado Springs.
The victims are aged between 52 and 88 years old and were rushed to hospitals in the Denver metro area. The eldest among them is also a Holocaust survivor, according to Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, the Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Authorities ordered the evacuation of the 1200, 1300 and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street between Walnut and Pine yesterday afternoon, instructing locals to avoid the area.
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Key Points
- Colorado attack: Man yelled ‘Free Palestine’ as he threw Molotov cocktails at pro-Israel march, FBI says
- Watch: Eyewitnesses describe attack on demonstrators
- Suspect identified as Egyptian national with expired US visa
- Everything we know about Mohamed Sabry Soliman
- Police ‘increasing presence at religious sites’ after Boulder attack
U.S. officials respond to ‘heinous act of terror’
10:45
,
Joe Sommerlad
President Donald Trump has yet to make any public statement on the events in Colorado but The Independent understands he has been briefed on the situation.
However, this is how Kash Patel and Dan Bongino of the FBI, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser responded:
We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available. @FBI
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 1, 2025
Our leadership team on the ground in Boulder will be updating you shortly on the attack in Boulder.
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) June 1, 2025
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…
I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror. Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable. While details emerge, the state works with local and federal law enforcement to…
— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) June 1, 2025
My heart is with the victims injured and impacted by the attack in Boulder. My statement on this apparent hate crime: https://t.co/kq8qeEfaSU https://t.co/SKYCWLplZe
— Phil Weiser (@pweiser) June 1, 2025
Benjamin Netanyahu says he is praying for injured after ‘vicious’ terror attack
10:25
,
Joe Sommerlad
Israel’s prime minister has issued a statement this morning saying he, his wife and the entire nation of Israel are praying for the full recovery of the people wounded in the “vicious terror attack” in Colorado.
“This attack was aimed against peaceful people who wished to express their solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas, simply because they were Jews.”
NYPD ‘increasing presence at religious sites’ after Boulder attack
10:05
,
Joe Sommerlad
Upcoming religious events in New York City will have an increased police presence on hand to protect worshippers in light of yesterday’s events, the NYPD has said.
We're monitoring the horrific attack in Colorado targeting an event for Israeli hostages. The NYPD has already increased our presence at religious sites throughout NYC for Shavuot with high visibility patrols and heavy weapons teams. We'll continue to track this closely.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 1, 2025
Jamie Raskin: ‘There is no justification for hate, violence and terror’
09:45
,
Joe Sommerlad
The Maryland Democratic congressman appeared on MSNBC’s The Weekend: Primetime last night to condemn the attack on Boulder and said there is “no room for violent hatred and bigotry” in the United States and “no justification for violence and terror against our people” whatever “ideological motivation someone thinks they have.”
Asked by host Ayman Mohyeldin if he saw “a connection” with “unresolved issues” overseas (meaning the war in Gaza), Raskin called it a “profoundly troubling development to see, you know, all of these violent incidents taking place against the Jewish community.”
He continued: “We don’t want wars to spill over to engulf everybody all over the world in violence. On the contrary, we need to turn it around to bring the violence and the war in the Middle East to an end so that everybody can be free of this kind of violence and terror.
“We need to bring the hostages home. We need to get humanitarian aid into Gaza. And we need to turn around the dynamics of that situation. But of course, that’s in the realm of foreign policy.”
Jewish Americans suffer another horrific violent antisemitic attack. Sending solidarity & support to the victims & to everyone grappling with fear in the face of more utterly indefensible violence. There is no justification for hate violence and terror.https://t.co/ocBzssRDlz
— Rep. Jamie Raskin (@RepRaskin) June 2, 2025
Colorado attack: Man yelled ‘Free Palestine’ as he threw Molotov cocktails at pro-Israel march, FBI say
09:25
,
Joe Sommerlad
If you’re just joining us, a man has been detained by law enforcement after eight people were injured in an attack on a “Run For Their Lives” event in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, attended by peaceful protesters demanding the release of Israeli hostages being held by Hamas.
The suspect, named as Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, allegedly used a “makeshift flamethrower” and Molotov cocktails to target the event, according to the FBI.
Here’s a full report from Kelly Rissman.
Community feeling ‘fear, anger and despair,’ says rabbi
09:05
,
Joe Sommerlad
“I think we’re feeling a multitude of emotions – fear, anger, despair,” Rabbi Joseph Black, a senior rabbi at Denver’s Temple Emanuel, has told ABC News’s local affiliate Denver7, revealing that he is personally acquainted with several of the victims.
“It’s close to home,” he said. “It’s frightening, but it also is something that we are all aware of.”
Rabbi Black added that his community is remaining vigilant as the annual Jewish festival of Shavuot approaches: “We at Temple Emmanuel have taken very intense security protocols to make sure that our congregation is safe.
“I'm not going to go into the details of it, but at every Jewish event, it's always a possibility.
“This will not stop us, in any way, shape or form.”
Watch: Eyewitnesses describe attack on demonstrators in Boulder
08:45
,
Joe Sommerlad
In pictures: Suspect detained by police
08:20
,
Joe Sommerlad
This is the moment the suspect in the attack was detained by local law enforcement.
According to reports, the man arrested was Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, who is understood to have been living in Colorado Springs on a visa that expired two years ago.
FBI and law enforcement respond to 'terror attack' in Boulder
07:59
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
NYPD steps up patrols after Boulder attack leaves 8 hurt
07:15
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
The New York Police Department has increased patrols at religious sites across the city for Shavuot, a Jewish holiday.
“Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country,” said Mark Michalek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Denver field office, which encompasses Boulder.
“This is an example of how perpetrators of violence continue to threaten communities across the nation.”
Officials said the eight victims, aged 52 to 88, sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious.
The attack took place as members of the volunteer group Run For Their Lives were wrapping up their weekly demonstration to raise awareness about hostages still held in Gaza.
Video from the scene shows a witness shouting, “He's right there. He’s throwing Molotov cocktails”, as a police officer approaches a shirtless suspect holding containers in both hands.
Number of injured rises to 8
06:49
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Authorities confirmed the identities of eight victims – four women and four men – who were taken to hospitals in the Denver metro area.
Earlier, the number of injured was said to be six.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is alleged to have hurled an incendiary device into a group of demonstrators gathered in downtown Boulder, shouting “Free Palestine” as he did so.
‘Pure antisemitism’, Israel’s foreign minister reacts to Boulder attack
06:44
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar called the Boulder attack “pure antisemitism” and a “terrible antisemitic terror attack”.
He blamed it on “blood libels spread in the media” and said he had spoken to Israeli diplomats in the US.
“Shocked by the terrible antisemitic terror attack targeting Jews in Boulder, Colorado,” he wrote on X.
“This is pure Antisemitism, fueled by the blood libels spread in the media. I spoke with our Ambassador in the US and our Consul General in LA.”
Shocked by the terrible antisemitic terror attack targeting Jews in Boulder, Colorado.
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) June 1, 2025
This is pure Antisemitism, fueled by the blood libels spread in the media.
I spoke with our Ambassador in the US and our Consul General in LA.
I pray for those who were wounded in the…
“I pray for those who were wounded in the attack.”
Eight victims of Boulder attack identified
06:31
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Authorities have confirmed the identities of eight victims - four women and four men, aged between 52 and 88 - who were taken to hospitals in the Denver metro area.
“We stand in full solidarity with those targeted. And we will continue to ensure that justice is pursued swiftly, support is provided to victims and their communities, and preventative action is taken to protect everyone’s safety. We stand in full solidarity with those targeted,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek.
“We will continue to ensure that justice is pursued swiftly, support is provided to victims and their communities, and preventative action is taken to protect everyone’s safety.”
One of the eight victims in the Boulder attack is an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, according to Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, the Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Boulder attack ‘completely shocking’, says anti-hate group
06:24
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Oren Segal of the Anti-Defamation League told BBC News that the Boulder attack was “completely shocking” and an “attack on the Jewish community”.
He urged action to stop the “rising tide of hate” against Jews, referencing a recent deadly attack on Israeli embassy staff in Washington.
“What we need to do is also figure out a way to stop normalising the type of rhetoric that we know animates this activity,” he added.
Israel’s UN ambassador condemns the Boulder attack on Jewish demonstrators
06:12
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon condemned the attack on Jewish demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, calling it an act of terrorism.
In a post on X, Mr Danon wrote: “Terrorism against Jews does not stop at the Gaza border -- it is already burning the streets of America. Today, in Boulder, Colorado, Jewish people marched with a moral and humane demand: to return the hostages.
“In response, the Jewish protesters were brutally attacked, with an attacker throwing Molotov cocktails at them. Make no mistake - this is not a political protest, this is terrorism. The time for statements is over. It is time for concrete action to be taken against the instigators wherever they may be,” he added.
Terrorism against Jews does not stop at the Gaza border – it is already burning the streets of America. Today, in Boulder, Colorado, Jewish people marched with a moral and humane demand: to return the hostages. In response, the Jewish protesters were brutally attacked, with an… pic.twitter.com/gdav3zTmD9
— Danny Danon דני דנון (@dannydanon) June 1, 2025
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, hurled Molotov cocktails and used a makeshift flamethrower at a rally demanding the safe return of hostages from Hamas captivity.
What do we know about the suspect and victims of the Boulder ‘terror attack’ that left six people injured?
06:05
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Just after 2 p.m., Boulder Police announced they were responding to a report that a man with a weapon was setting people on fire, Chief Stephen Redfearn said at a Sunday press conference. An hour later, authorities ordered the evacuation of the 1200, 1300 and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street between Walnut and Pine.
At the time of the attack, Run for Their Lives, a group of demonstrators raising awareness for the Israeli hostages that remain in Gaza, were marching on Pearl Street, as they do every Sunday, organizations have said.
Soliman allegedly used a “makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device” into the crowd as he yelled “Free Palestine!”, the FBI said.
Ed Victor, one of about 30 people marching, told CBS News that the group was peacefully walking down Pearl Street when the attack occurred.
"So we stood up, lined up in front of the old Boulder courthouse, and I was actually on the far west side. And there was somebody there that I didn't even notice, although he was making a lot of noise, but I'm just focused on my job of being quiet and getting lined up. And, from my point of view, all of a sudden, I felt the heat. It was a Molotov cocktail equivalent, a gas bomb in a glass jar, thrown,” Victor told the outlet.
Read more here:
Boulder attack suspect treated for injuries as investigators probe motives
05:50
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
The man accused of carrying out Sunday’s attack on a pro-Israeli demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, was taken to hospital with minor injuries after his arrest, police said.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is alleged to have hurled an incendiary device into a group of demonstrators gathered in downtown Boulder, shouting “Free Palestine” as he did so.
Police chief Stephen Redfearn said officers responded to reports at 1.26pm of a man with a weapon and people being set on fire.
Mr Redfearn also mentioned that the police were investigating “a vehicle of interest” on the scene. Police and bomb squads are still “clearing the area for devices”, he said earlier.
Mark Michalek, an FBI special agent, told a press conference, citing witnesses: “It is clear that this is a targeted act of violence and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism.”
Boulder attack suspect identified as Egyptian national with expired US visa
05:40
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
The suspect in the Boulder attack, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is an Egyptian national, the CBS reported.
He reportedly entered the US on a non-immigrant visa in 2022, which expired in early 2023, and had been living in Colorado Springs.
Authorities say he shouted “Free Palestine” while using a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary device.
The FBI believes he acted alone.
Governor condemns Boulder attack on pro-Israel demonstrators
05:32
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Colorado officials, including the governor, condemned the violent attack in Boulder, where six people were injured during a pro-Israeli hostage walk.
The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly threw incendiary devices while shouting political slogans.
Governor Jared Polis and state senators called the act “heinous” and “hate-filled”.
“My thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror. Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable. While details emerge, the state works with local and federal law enforcement to support this investigation,” he wrote in a statement.
The FBI considers the incident a "targeted act of violence” and is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism.
Man arrested after Molotov attack on pro-Israeli demonstration in Boulder
05:21
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
A 45-year-old man, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was arrested after allegedly attacking a pro-Israeli hostage demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, with a Molotov cocktail and a makeshift flamethrower.
Six elderly victims were injured, some critically. Witnesses say Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” during the assault.
The FBI is treating the incident as a targeted act of violence. Parts of Pearl Street remain closed as the investigation continues.