BOULDER, Colorado, June 1 – In a deeply disturbing incident that has rocked the Boulder, Colorado community, eight individuals were injured on Sunday during a peaceful gathering held in honor of Israeli hostages. The attack took place in the heart of Pearl Street Mall, a popular and bustling pedestrian area near the University of Colorado. The event, organized by the group Run for Their Lives, was meant to be a solemn reminder of those still being held in Gaza—but it turned into a scene of chaos and terror when a man shouted “Free Palestine” and began hurling firebombs at the crowd.
A Peaceful Vigil Turns Violent
The attacker, identified by authorities as 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman, reportedly threw incendiary devices into the crowd, causing severe burns and injuries to several attendees. Witnesses described a horrifying scene as people screamed and rushed to assist the wounded. Four men and four women, all aged between 52 and 88, were taken to nearby hospitals. Some victims suffered extensive burns, and at least one individual remains in critical condition.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn stated they believe the attacker acted alone, adding that authorities are confident the only suspect is already in custody. Soliman was taken to the hospital shortly after the attack. Authorities have yet to confirm whether Soliman has a prior criminal record or any known affiliations with extremist groups.
Eyewitnesses offered chilling accounts of what unfolded. Brooke Coffman, a 19-year-old student from the University of Colorado, said she saw women on the ground with burns across their legs, and one woman appeared to be wrapped in a flag after suffering severe injuries. “Everyone was yelling, ‘get water, get water,’” Coffman recalled. She also described the suspect as shirtless, holding what appeared to be a bottle filled with a clear flammable liquid while shouting inflammatory slogans.
Classified as a Terrorist Act
Federal investigators, including the FBI, quickly became involved due to the nature and context of the attack. Mark Michalek, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Denver Field Office, announced that the agency is treating the incident as an act of terrorism. “This was clearly a targeted act of violence,” Michalek said. The FBI is exploring all possible motives, including ideological extremism and hate-based violence.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser echoed this assessment, describing the assault as a potential hate crime. “Given the group targeted and the statements made, this attack has all the hallmarks of a bias-motivated act,” Weiser stated. Law enforcement agencies are working together to determine whether Soliman acted independently or was influenced by broader extremist ideologies.
A Community Shaken
The event that was attacked, held by Run for Their Lives, is one of many that have been organized weekly since the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. These walks had taken place without any prior threats or incidents, making Sunday’s violence even more alarming to participants and organizers alike. In a statement, the organization expressed deep sorrow and reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its mission peacefully.
Israeli leaders have responded to the incident, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar strongly denouncing it as a “horrific antisemitic act of terror,” labeling it “undeniable antisemitism.” His remarks highlight the increasing anxiety within Jewish communities worldwide as targeted violence and hate crimes continue to escalate amid tensions linked to the Middle East conflict.
Political and Social Fallout
The incident has reignited fierce debate in the United States about the consequences of escalating tensions over the war in Gaza. Many conservative figures have pointed to this and similar acts of violence as evidence that the line between political activism and violent extremism is being crossed. President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, In a post to X, a social network, the suspect’s alleged immigration history, claiming Soliman had overstayed his visa and that lenient migration policies allowed him to remain in the country unlawfully. He called the attack a “tragedy of failed immigration control.”
The Department of Homeland Security has yet to confirm Soliman’s immigration status, stating that more details will be released once verified. Meanwhile, critics argue that politicizing the attack too early could inflame tensions further and detract from supporting the victims and addressing the root causes of hate-based violence.
Ongoing Investigations and Response
As the investigation continues, community leaders, law enforcement, and elected officials are calling for unity and vigilance. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the attack as a clear act of antisemitism and emphasized the importance of standing against hate in all forms. In a public statement, Schumer expressed his outrage, saying the incident was deeply disturbing and must be stopped from happening again.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis also voiced his outrage, writing on social media that it is “unfathomable that the Jewish community is facing another terror attack here in Boulder.”
This attack comes on the heels of another high-profile incident where two Israeli embassy workers were shot in Washington, D.C., during a separate pro-Israel event. That case, along with the Boulder attack, underscores the rising danger facing Jewish individuals and institutions in the current climate of political polarization and international conflict.
A Call for Healing and Accountability
The people of Boulder, and the broader American public, are left grappling with how such violence could erupt at a peaceful demonstration. As the victims recover and the community begins the process of healing, many are asking how to prevent future attacks and how to rebuild a sense of safety and unity in the face of hatred.
The case against Mohamed Soliman is expected to move forward quickly, with terrorism and hate crime charges likely. As the justice system takes its course, community members and leaders are left to reflect on the importance of peace, tolerance, and the dangers of ideological extremism—no matter which side it comes from.