Firebombing attack on Boulder demonstration injures 15

In Boulder, Colorado, an incident occurred during a demonstration on Pearl Street where participants were advocating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. On Sunday, a man named Mohamed Sabry Soliman threw two Molotov cocktails at the group, injuring a total of 15 people, with victims ranging in age from 25 to 88. The attack led to a massive community response, with hundreds gathering for a vigil at the local Jewish Community Center. Amid this unrest, a federal judge also blocked the deportation of Soliman's family, who had been taken into custody following the attack. The nature of the attack was compounded by the fact that it was motivated by Soliman’s apparent political beliefs, as he yelled “Free Palestine” while carrying out the act. Soliman, who has been charged with federal hate crime and state attempted murder counts, is reportedly being held on a $10 million cash bond. Witness accounts from the vigil highlighted the horror of the attack, with one victim recalling nearly fatal circumstances as flames engulfed another individual nearby during the assault. This incident has provoked strong reactions, not just locally but from international leaders, with prayers and solidarity pouring in from various Jewish organizations and Israeli officials. The Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest expressed shock that such violence occurred in a normally peaceful city like Boulder and noted the proactive measures taken by Israeli officials to gather information and support for the affected community. Further complicating the situation is Soliman's legal status in the U.S., as it has been reported by federal authorities that he was living in the country illegally. His asylum application has also drawn in his family, who now face uncertainty as they are caught up in this legal drama. The community vigil aimed to strengthen ties and provide support to those affected by the attack, with communal messages centered around resilience and the importance of standing against acts of terrorism and violence.