(DailyAnswer.org) – An Egyptian national illegally residing in the United States attacked elderly Jewish supporters of Israeli hostages with a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails in Boulder, Colorado, shouting “Free Palestine” as he injured eight people before being apprehended.
At a Glance
- Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, attacked a peaceful assembly of elderly individuals supporting Israeli hostages at Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado
- Eight people aged 52 to 88 were injured, including a Holocaust survivor
- Soliman entered the US in 2022 on a non-immigrant visa that expired in 2023
- The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism
- The attack occurred during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, amid rising antisemitic violence in the US
Attack Details Emerge as FBI Labels Incident Terrorism
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national living in Colorado Springs, allegedly targeted a group of elderly individuals who were participating in a walk to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The attack occurred at Pearl Street pedestrian mall in Boulder during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. According to federal authorities, Soliman waited for the group at a scheduled stop on their walk before launching his assault with incendiary devices.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek confirmed the bureau is treating the incident as terrorism. “It is clear that this is a targeted act of violence and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism,” Michalek stated. Video footage shows Soliman throwing Molotov cocktails and using a makeshift flamethrower while shouting “Free Palestine.” In the chaos, Soliman reportedly set himself on fire before being arrested without resistance and transported to a hospital for treatment.
Victims Include Holocaust Survivor
The attack left eight people injured, with ages ranging from 52 to 88 years old. Several victims sustained burns requiring medical attention. Among those injured was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, described by Rabbi Israel Wilhelm as a “very loving person.” The elderly victims were part of a peaceful assembly voicing support for Israeli hostages in Gaza when they were attacked with the homemade incendiary devices.
“This attack was aimed against peaceful people who wished to express their solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas, simply because they were Jews.” – Benjamin Netanyahu.
The incident has prompted increased security measures at religious sites across the country. The New York Police Department has enhanced its presence at Jewish synagogues and centers due to the Shavuot holiday. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser suggested the attack was a hate crime, stating, “People may have differing views about world events and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but violence is never the answer to settling differences.”
FBI: Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, an Egyptian national, was arrested for a terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. He allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at a pro-Israel rally, injuring six, while shouting "Free Palestine." He overstayed a U.S. visa from 2022. FBI is investigating. https://t.co/KxwVBlCHn8 pic.twitter.com/rVuihEkWOM
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) June 2, 2025
Suspect’s Immigration Status Under Scrutiny
Federal authorities have confirmed that Soliman entered the United States through California in 2022 on a non-immigrant visa, which expired in 2023. Despite his expired visa status, reports indicate Soliman was issued a work permit and had been living in Colorado Springs. The FBI conducted a raid on Soliman’s home in El Paso County, Colorado, as part of their ongoing investigation into the attack.
“The Department of Homeland Security is working alongside the FBI to investigate the “terrorist attack,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed.” – DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
The Boulder attack marks the second recent U.S. incident linked to the Gaza conflict, following a fatal shooting in Washington DC. FBI officials noted that attacks motivated by ideological extremism have become increasingly common across the country. “Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country,” Michalek remarked. The Department of Justice and FBI have labeled the Boulder incident as “ideologically motivated violence” based on evidence and witness accounts.
International Reaction
The attack has drawn condemnation from international leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity with the victims, while Israel’s foreign minister and ambassador to the United Nations labeled the attack as antisemitism and called for decisive action. The incident occurs against a backdrop of rising antisemitic violence in the United States amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, raising concerns about security for Jewish communities nationwide.
“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.” – Dan Bongino.
As the investigation continues, federal authorities are working to uncover Soliman’s motivations and any potential connections to broader extremist networks. The FBI’s Denver office has confirmed they are conducting “court-authorized law enforcement activity” related to the attack, suggesting the investigation may expand to include associates or accomplices who might have known about or supported Soliman’s plans.
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