FBI officials are investigating an Egyptian national’s Molotov cocktail attack on a pro-Israel rally in Boulder as terrorism, while local police hesitated to use the term despite the suspect allegedly shouting “Free Palestine” during the violent assault that injured multiple people including a Holocaust survivor.
At a Glance
- Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa, attacked a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower
- The FBI is investigating the incident as a “targeted terror attack” while Boulder Police initially hesitated to use terrorism terminology
- Six to eight people were injured, including a Holocaust survivor, with injuries ranging from minor to critical burns
- Witnesses reported the suspect shouted “Free Palestine” and “End Zionist!” during the attack on the peaceful demonstration supporting Israeli hostages
- The incident comes amid growing concerns about antisemitic violence following similar attacks against Jewish communities
Terror Attack Targets Pro-Israel Demonstration
An Egyptian national identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman has been arrested after attacking a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado with homemade incendiary devices. The attack occurred around 1:26 p.m. local time on Pearl Street Mall, where a group called “Run for Their Lives” was holding their weekly demonstration to raise awareness about Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Multiple victims suffered burns when Soliman allegedly used a makeshift flamethrower and threw Molotov cocktails at participants while shouting “Free Palestine” and “End Zionist!”
The FBI quickly designated the incident as a “targeted terror attack” and deployed agents to the scene. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed, “We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.” The attack injured between six and eight people, with injuries ranging from minor to critical. Two victims were airlifted to a specialized burn unit, while four others received treatment at Boulder Community Health. Among the injured was a Holocaust survivor, underscoring the especially troubling nature of this assault on the Jewish community.
Local Authorities’ Response Raises Questions
Despite the FBI’s clear terrorism designation, Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn initially hesitated to label the incident as terrorism, stating a need for more information about the suspect’s motive. This reluctance has generated significant controversy, particularly as witnesses reported the suspect shouted anti-Israel slogans during the attack. The disparity between federal and local characterizations of the incident has fueled debate about how antisemitic violence is categorized and addressed by different levels of law enforcement across the country.
“It is clear that this is a targeted act of violence and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism”, said Mr Michalek.
Immigration concerns have also emerged following the attack. Soliman had overstayed his tourist visa, which expired in March 2025. Former White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller criticized the administration’s handling of the situation, stating: “A terror attack was committed in Boulder, Colorado by an illegal alien. He was granted a tourist visa by the Biden Administration and then he illegally overstayed that visa. In response, the Biden Administration gave him a work permit. Suicidal migration must be fully reversed.”
Pattern of Antisemitic Violence
The Boulder attack follows a disturbing May incident where two Israeli Embassy aides were killed in Washington, D.C., highlighting what appears to be an escalating pattern of antisemitic violence in America. The pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder reported they had faced verbal harassment during previous gatherings but had never expected violent attacks. Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack in strong terms, acknowledging its antisemitic nature and its timing near the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
“As the Jewish community reels from the recent antisemitic murders in Washington, D.C., it is unfathomable that the community is facing another antisemitic attack here in Boulder, on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot. Several individuals were brutally attacked while peacefully drawing attention to the plight of hostages who have been held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 604 days. Hate is unacceptable in our Colorado for all, and I condemn this act of terror. The suspect should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”, said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis
The attack has prompted a strong response from national security officials. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed that the National Counterterrorism Center is working with the FBI and local law enforcement on the investigation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also weighed in, stating that “the victims were attacked simply because they were Jews” and expressed his expectation that U.S. authorities would prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law. The incident has united community leaders across political lines in condemning violence as an unacceptable response to political differences.