Flamethrower Attack in Boulder, CO, Leaves 8 Injured
A man set fire to a group of people in Boulder, Colorado, using a homemade flamethrower, injuring eight. The perpetrator, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during the attack on a crowd gathered on Pearl Street Mall.
The group was attending a pro-Israel event when the attack took place on Sunday, June 1. Those injured range in age from 52 to 88 years old. At least one person is in critical condition, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.
The FBI is now handling the case as a domestic terror investigation. Boulder police said Soliman also threw Molotov cocktails and used a bug sprayer filled with a flammable liquid to launch flames at the crowd. He was arrested at the scene.
Local witnesses described confusion and fear as people tried to escape or help the injured. A shop owner near the scene said, “There were people on the ground and a bunch of others running over with buckets and bottles and whatever they could carry water in.”
The suspect, originally from Egypt, was reportedly in the country without legal status after overstaying his visa. He now faces several felony charges. Homeland Security has confirmed his immigration status.
This incident has led to greater security at local Jewish events. It has also drawn strong responses from officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “This attack was aimed against peaceful people who wished to express their solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas, simply because they were Jews.”
Key facts:
- Attack happened June 1 at Pearl Street Mall
- Event supported Israeli hostages
- 8 victims, ages 52 to 88
- Weapon: makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails
- FBI treating it as domestic terrorism
- Suspect overstayed visa and is in custody
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