The FBI has confirmed a
targeted terror attack at a pro-Israel event in Boulder, Colorado, injuring six people aged 67 to 88, some of whom were airlifted to hospitals.
The attack occurred at the Pearl Street Mall during a "Run for Their Lives" march, which advocates for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The suspect,
45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, used a makeshift flamethrower, Molotov cocktails, and other incendiary devices, according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Michalek.
Local police responded to reports of multiple victims around 1:26 p.m. and cordoned off a large part of downtown Boulder. Witnesses described seeing people writhing in pain and others rushing to help with water.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser called the attack
"targeted" and said it appears to be a
hate crime given the group targeted. Gov. Jared Polis condemned the attack as a
heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community, expressing shock that such violence occurred in Boulder.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar labeled the attack as
pure antisemitism, while Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon called it terrorism and urged for concrete responses.
Boulder City Councilwoman Tara Winer, who has participated in past events with the group, said several victims were friends of hers. The University of Colorado Boulder offered support to those affected, encouraging students and staff to use counseling resources.
The FBI continues to investigate the incident as a terror attack, while local authorities urge the public not to speculate prematurely. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and community members alike, emphasizing that violence is never an answer to political differences.
Quotes:"From what we know, this attack appears to be a hate crime given the group that was targeted," said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.
"My thoughts go out to the people who have been injured by this heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community," said Gov. Jared Polis.
"We are shocked and saddened by the violent attack that took place in Boulder this afternoon. Hate and acts of violence have absolutely no place in our community or anywhere in the world," said a local statement.
Stats:Six injured, ages 67 to 88.
Attack time: about 1:26 p.m.
Suspect: Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45 years old.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Hamas conflict and highlights the dangers of hate-motivated violence in the U.S.
The FBI confirmed a targeted terror attack at a pro-Israel event in Boulder, Colorado, injuring six people aged 67 to 88. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, used Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower. Authorities and officials condemned the attack as a hate crime and act of antisemitism.
