A chaotic scene unfolded Saturday afternoon on Pearl Street in Boulder Colorado, as six peaceful protesters were set on fire by an assailant during a “Run for Their Lives” event. Authorities have identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian man who entered the United States in August 2022 and overstayed his visa. They detained him at the scene after allegedly shouting anti-Israel slogans and attacking elderly demonstrators.
Suspect’s Background and Arrest
President and local leaders quickly labeled the violence a terrorist attack. Soliman arrived in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa on August 27, 2022, flying into Los Angeles International Airport. His authorization was to stay until February 26, 2023, but never left the country. He filed for asylum on September 29, 2022. In March 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services granted him work authorization through March 2024.
Colorado Department of Public Safety confirmed Soliman is in the country illegally. On Saturday, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said officers were called to the county courthouse at 1:26 p.m. local time after reports of a man with a weapon setting protesters ablaze. They arrested Soliman nearby, carrying a molotov cocktail and other paraphernalia.
Victims and Motivations
Six people, ranging from ages 67 to 88, suffered burns before first responders doused the flames. Witnesses said the victims were quietly walking in support of Israeli hostages held by Hamas when Soliman approached them. According to video analysis by the ADL Center on Extremism, the attacker yelled, “Free Palestine,” “How many children you killed?” and “We have to end Zionists, they are killers” as he struck his victims.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser called it a hate crime, noting it unfolded on the eve of Shavuot, a Jewish holiday. “This attack appears to be motivated by hate toward the targeted group,” Weiser said. “People may have differing views about world events, but violence is never the answer.”
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Authorities Respond and Expand Investigation
The FBI is treating the case as an act of ideologically motivated violence, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed. The National Counterterrorism Center and Department of Homeland Security are involved, while ICE verified Soliman’s visa overstay.
- Evacuations: Police initially cleared three blocks around Pearl Street, then widened the perimeter for safety.
- Vehicle of Interest: Investigators searched for a car believed to be linked to Soliman.
- Federal Support: National agencies are collaborating with local law enforcement to piece together the suspect’s movements and contacts.
Governor Jared Polis called the incident a “heinous act of terror,” pledging full state and federal cooperation. “Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable,” Polis said.
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Local and National Reactions
The attack occurred at a Run for Their Lives rally, organized by a grassroots group that holds weekly events to spotlight Hamas hostages. Based on organizers’ statements, the walk began near the Pearl Street Mall, one of Boulder’s busiest areas.
Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse posted on X: “The scourge of anti-Semitism has metastasized. We must do more—now—to stop this violence. Tonight, we stand with our Jewish community.”
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon urged global action: “This is terrorism. The time for statements is over. We must act against those inciting such hatred.”
Simon Wiesenthal Center CEO Jim Berk linked the attack to growing anti-Israel rhetoric: “The months of anti-Israel propaganda have created a climate where hate flourishes, and physical attacks become inevitable.”
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Enhanced Security Measures
In New York City, the NYPD announced increased patrols at religious sites for Shavuot, closely monitoring developments in Colorado. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tweeted, “Terror has no place in our great country.” The mood was tense at the Pearl Street Mall, where tourists and locals paused to watch investigators comb the scene.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Coverage
As Boulder detectives and the FBI gather evidence, questions remain about how Soliman planned and executed the attack. Authorities continue to ask, “what happened in Colorado?” and how to prevent future incidents. The Boulder terror attack has cast a shadow over a normally peaceful city, highlighting persistent global tensions.
Residents of Boulder CO are to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement. Boulder Colorado news outlets and national Colorado news channels will share updates on arrests, victim conditions, and legal proceedings.
📢 Stay with TNN for real-time developments on the Boulder terror attack, safety updates, and comprehensive coverage of security measures in Colorado and beyond. 🚨
