Boulder, Colorado (Prime Africa News) – Eight people were injured on Sunday in a suspected terror attack during a peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, aimed at calling for the release of captives held in Gaza. The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident, describing it as an “act of terror.”
The attack took place at the Pearl Street Mall, a popular pedestrian shopping and cultural district in downtown Boulder, just a short distance from the University of Colorado. The group had gathered as part of a weekly event associated with the global “Run for Their Lives” campaign, which aims to raise awareness for Israeli captives held by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups since the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Attack Details
According to the Boulder Police Department, officers responded to emergency calls at 1:36pm local time (10:36 GMT). Witnesses say a man approached the demonstrators and threw incendiary devices, appearing to wield a makeshift flamethrower.
Viral videos on social media show a shirtless man, later identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman of El Paso County, allegedly hurling Molotov cocktails—crude incendiary weapons made from glass bottles filled with flammable liquid.
Soliman reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during the attack. He sustained injuries during the incident and was treated at a local hospital before being transferred to Boulder County Jail. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges against him.
Victims and Reactions
The eight victims—four men and four women aged between 52 and 88—were transported to various hospitals in the Denver metropolitan area. The extent of their injuries remains unclear.
The FBI quickly responded, citing ideological motivation behind the attack. Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated that the assault was being investigated as “ideologically motivated violence.” FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency’s full involvement, emphasizing the “targeted nature” of the act.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the attack an act of anti-Semitism. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) echoed these concerns, denouncing the violence and expressing solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide.
Immigration Status Controversy
The suspect’s immigration status has become a point of political controversy. Former White House official Stephen Miller claimed that Soliman had overstayed a tourist visa and was later granted a work permit under the Biden administration. These claims have not yet been independently verified by Prime Africa News or other media outlets.
Context: The Global “Run for Their Lives” Campaign
The demonstration in Boulder was part of a global solidarity campaign held in more than 230 locations across 24 countries. Organized primarily by Jewish communities, the weekly events aim to keep public attention focused on the remaining hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack on Israel, in which 251 individuals were abducted.
According to Israeli estimates, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 35 presumed dead. In response to the October attack, Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to the deaths of more than 61,700 Palestinians, as reported by the Gaza Government Media Office.
Official Response
Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, stated that her department is collaborating closely with the FBI and other interagency partners. Local law enforcement has increased security measures around Boulder and neighboring Denver, where another chapter of the campaign is also held.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging witnesses to come forward and continue to treat the situation as a critical national security matter.
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