The attacker who on Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, assaulted a group of participants attending a demonstration for the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman.
Soliman used a homemade flamethrower and shouted slogans such as “Free Palestine” during the assault, injuring eight protesters aged between 67 and 88, who remain hospitalized.
At around 1.26 PM Boulder’s 911 call center began receiving reports that someone was “setting people on fire” in a pedestrian area near the County Courthouse at the intersection of 13th Street and Pearl Street, according to Police Chief Stephen Redfearn.
Several victims suffering from burn-related injuries were taken to Boulder Community Hospital, with some later transferred to other medical facilities. Soliman was identified by witnesses at the scene and was taken into custody without incident. He himself sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized. He is currently being held on a $10 million bail and faces multiple charges, including the use of an incendiary device.
The attack occurred during the “Run for Their Lives” event, organized by pro-Israel activists to advocate for the release of Israeli hostages. FBI Director Kash Patel classified it as a “terrorist attack,” while Colorado Governor Jared Polis described it as an “atrocious act of terror.” However, during the police briefing, Redfearn stated that authorities do not currently consider it a terrorist attack, as the pedestrian area was crowded with individuals not affiliated with the demonstration.
