On Sunday, a man attacked a crowd at an outdoor mall in Boulder, Colorado, injuring eight people who were advocating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, according to police.
The FBI identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who was apprehended at the scene. Authorities have characterized the incident as a terror attack. The Department of Justice described the Pearl Street Mall attack as a “needless act of violence, which follows recent attacks against Jewish Americans.”
FBI Denver Special Agent Mark Michaelik stated, “Attacks like this are becoming too common across the country. This is an example of how perpetrators of violence continue to threaten communities.”
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the attack “appears to be a hate crime given the group that was targeted” and that the group was holding one of its regular weekly gatherings.
Who is the suspected attacker?
Reports indicate Soliman is an Egyptian national who entered the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa to California in 2022. CBS reports that the visa expired in February 2023, and Soliman has been residing in Colorado Springs recently.
According to the FBI’s Michaelik, Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” during the assault.
Reports state that video footage from the scene depicted Soliman holding two clear bottles containing a transparent liquid while yelling at onlookers. Another video captured a witness shouting, “He’s right there. He’s throwing Molotov cocktails,” as a police officer approached him.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn stated that the attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time, and Soliman was hospitalized with minor injuries. Authorities stated they are confident that the suspect acted alone.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office indicated on its daily booking sheet on Monday that Soliman faces two counts of first-degree murder. However, authorities have not confirmed any fatalities resulting from the attack.
Who are the victims?
Eight people are reported to have sustained injuries in the attack. Injuries were consistent with burn injuries. Officials noted on Sunday that one victim was in critical condition.
The injured individuals range in age from 67 to 88 years old, according to the Associated Press.
The group advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas is affiliated with Run for Their Lives, an organization that hosts non-violent running and walking events.
Run for Their Lives has two chapters in Colorado and 100 others across 30 U.S. states. The organization was founded by a group of Israelis in the Bay Area of San Francisco in collaboration with the Hostage and Missing Families Forum (#BringThemHomeNow).
The Boulder attack follows an incident in Washington, D.C., nearly two weeks prior, where a man shot and injured a person attending an event at the Capitol Jewish Museum. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, reportedly told police he committed the act “for Gaza, and “for Palestine.”
Antisemitism and political violence are increasing across the U.S. The ADL recorded 1,989 incidents of anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available.
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