A shocking and violent terror attack unfolded in the peaceful surroundings of Boulder's Pearl Street pedestrian mall in Colorado, sending shockwaves across the United States. The incident occurred during a rally organized by the volunteer group Run For Their Lives, which aimed to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza, as part of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Attack: A Horrific Scene at Pearl Street Mall

The attack took place around mid-afternoon at the popular Park Street Mall, when a man later identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, aged 45, launched a targeted terror assault using a makeshift flamethrower. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported a sudden escalation of chaos when Soliman, allegedly shouting "Free Palestine", began throwing Molotov cocktails and igniting flames at innocent rally attendees.

Video footage from the attack site captured a bystander yelling, “He is right there. He is throwing Molotov cocktails.” In the visuals, a bare-chested Soliman was seen wielding containers in each hand, while a police officer approached with his firearm drawn.

At least six individuals sustained burn injuries in the chaos, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and emergency services. The attacker himself was injured during the incident and subsequently transported to a hospital. Authorities have not yet detailed the extent of his injuries but have confirmed that he is in custody.

Federal Response: FBI Calls It an Act of Terrorism

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) wasted no time in designating the attack a “targeted terror act”. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents had joined local law enforcement on the scene to conduct a thorough investigation. In a public statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Patel wrote:

“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 Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed this sentiment and emphasized the seriousness of the incident:

“This act of terror is being investigated as an act of ideologically motivated violence based on the early information, the evidence, and witness accounts.”

The Justice Department has condemned the incident, highlighting the rising trend of hate-fueled attacks, particularly against Jewish Americans amid global political tensions.

Details of the Rally and Victims

The rally where the attack occurred was part of a nationwide movement organized to bring attention to hostages held by Hamas. The Run For Their Lives group has been organizing peaceful demonstrations across major cities to call for international attention to those detained in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

While the identities of the victims have not been made public, officials confirmed that all six individuals sustained moderate to serious burns, but no fatalities have been reported as of now. Medical teams are attending to the victims, and authorities are conducting further medical evaluations.

Suspect Profile: Who is Mohamed Sabry Soliman?

The attacker, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is a 45-year-old male whose background is currently under investigation by the FBI’s Denver field office. According to Special Agent Mark Michalek, Soliman has no prior criminal record in the state of Colorado, but federal authorities are now digging deeper into his digital footprint, possible overseas connections, and ideological affiliations.

Although no formal charges had been filed at the time of publication, officials have signaled that terrorism-related charges are imminent, and that Soliman will be “fully held accountable” under federal law.

Security Measures and Public Response

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, law enforcement evacuated several blocks of downtown Boulder, including surrounding commercial areas, as a precaution. A K-9 unit was brought in to sweep for explosives or other potential threats, although no additional weapons were discovered.

Local police advised residents to avoid the Pearl Street Mall area until further notice. The entire area remains cordoned off as federal and local investigators comb through forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and eyewitness statements.

Government and Community Reactions

Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a strong statement condemning the attack, calling it a "hate-filled act of terror". He reassured the public that law enforcement is taking all necessary steps to protect citizens and maintain public safety:

“I am closely monitoring the situation. Acts of hate, violence, and terror have no place in our state or our society.”

Meanwhile, members of the Jewish American community in Colorado and across the country have expressed alarm over the incident. Jewish advocacy groups are demanding stronger security measures at rallies and religious sites, as well as harsher penalties for ideologically driven violence.

A Rising Trend in Ideological Violence

This incident adds to a growing list of ideologically driven attacks across the United States in recent years, where international conflicts have had real-world consequences on American soil. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have repeatedly warned of such “lone-wolf acts” that may be influenced by global political events and social media radicalization.

The timing of the attack, during a rally for Israeli hostages, and the slogans reportedly shouted by the suspect, raise clear concerns about the intersection of free speech, protest rights, and domestic security.

Legal Implications and Next Steps

Federal prosecutors are expected to formally press charges against Soliman in the coming days. Legal experts suggest that the suspect could face a range of serious charges, including:

• Attempted murder

• Use of a weapon of mass destruction (under U.S. federal codes)

• Acts of terrorism and

• Hate crime enhancements

The Justice Department has signaled that the full weight of federal anti-terrorism statutes will be used to prosecute the suspect and deter future ideologically motivated violence.

Broader Implications

This terror incident in Boulder serves as a grim reminder of the rising political polarization and global conflict spillover affecting public safety in the U.S. It also ignites debate on the need for stricter surveillance of extremist ideologies, even when not affiliated with recognized terror organizations.

Moreover, it reinforces concerns about the weaponization of protest symbols and slogans, such as “Free Palestine,” in ways that depart from peaceful expression and slide into violent extremism.

Conclusion

As investigations continue, the Colorado flamethrower attack is now firmly being treated as a major act of domestic terrorism, one with potential international implications. With six innocent people burned, the incident has already sparked serious questions about domestic security, ideological extremism, and public safety in protest environments.

Law enforcement has promised transparency, while the Jewish community and broader public demand accountability and assurance that such acts will not go unanswered. Mohamed Sabry Soliman’s case is set to become a landmark prosecution in the realm of ideological violence on U.S. soil.

Authorities have asked anyone with additional video footage, eyewitness testimony, or relevant information to come forward as the investigation unfolds.

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