On June 1, 2025, a horrific incident took place on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall during a weekly walk organized by the city’s chapter of Run for Their Lives. At least six people marching in support of Israeli hostages held in Gaza were attacked by a man wielding a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices. The assailant, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, targeted the crowd with the intention of causing harm, shouting “Free Palestine” during the attack.
The FBI and local authorities are investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, emphasizing the targeted nature of the violence. Soliman was apprehended by police after bystanders pointed him out, and he is currently under investigation for his role in the attack. The victims, aged between 67 and 88, suffered burns and injuries, with some requiring hospitalization at Boulder Community Health and UCHealth University of Colorado’s burn unit.
The attack has shocked the community, with witnesses describing scenes of chaos and panic as people rushed to help the injured. Videos of the incident circulated on social media, capturing the terrifying moment when Soliman unleashed fire on the unsuspecting marchers. The aftermath of the attack left a trail of destruction and trauma, with individuals expressing horror and disbelief at the violence that unfolded on a peaceful street in Boulder.
Authorities have condemned the attack as a heinous act of terror, prompting national Jewish organizations to speak out against the rising tide of violence targeting Jewish communities. The incident has been linked to recent incidents of anti-Semitic violence in the United States, highlighting the need for decisive action to combat hate and intolerance.
As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the aftermath of the attack, coming together to support the victims and their families. Political leaders have called for unity and solidarity in the face of hate, emphasizing the importance of standing up against anti-Semitism and violence.
The impact of the attack reverberates through the streets of Boulder, as residents and visitors alike grapple with the senseless act of violence that disrupted a peaceful demonstration. The resilience of the community is tested, but the spirit of solidarity and compassion shines through as individuals come together to denounce hate and support those affected by the tragedy.
