Illegal immigrant launches incendiary attack on pro-Israel group in Boulder
- A man launched incendiary devices during a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, injuring multiple participants.
- The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is in the U.S. illegally and allegedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans during the attack.
- The incident highlights rising tensions and violence against Jewish communities in the U.S.
In an incident in Boulder, Colorado, a pro-Israel demonstration known as the 'Run for Their Lives' event was violently interrupted when a man launched incendiary devices into the crowd, resulting in multiple injuries. This attack occurred on a Sunday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time, specifically at the intersection of Pearl Street and 13th Street. Reports indicated that several demonstrators were burned, with some injuries classified as life-threatening. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene with flames reaching high into the air as the assailant hurled Molotov cocktails into the gathering. The suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is an Egyptian national who was in the U.S. illegally after overstaying his visa. Soliman was allegedly shouting pro-Palestinian slogans during the attack. The demonstration, which aimed to voice support for Israeli hostages held by Hamas, drew around thirty participants. As per the details from the police, the area was quickly evacuated, and local authorities declared the scene unsafe, asking anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation. FBI officials came to label the event a 'targeted terror attack,' although Boulder police initially hesitated to classify it as such while ongoing investigations were underway. The joint statement from the Boulder Jewish community expressed heartbreak over the incident and emphasized the importance of freedom of assembly. The attack marks a troubling increase in targeted violence, particularly against Jewish communities, raising alarms about the potential rise of antisemitic acts in contexts tied to the recent Israel-Hamas war. In response to the attack, state and local officials, including Governor Jared Polis, condemned the heinous act of violence and expressed solidarity with the injured victims. The FBI's involvement underscores the seriousness of the situation, particularly given the growing tensions in recent months associated with rising antisemitism in the United States. During the investigation, law enforcement kept maintaining safety protocols across the area, while condemning the violence that disrupted a peaceful advocacy event. As the investigation continues, many are left grappling with the implications of such acts in an increasingly divided society.