Colorado: A violent attack disrupted a solidarity walk organised in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, June 1, to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The assailant, identified as 45-year-old Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, used Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower, leaving six injured. The FBI has labeled the incident as "targeted terror attack."
Here are five major developments from the case:
1. Suspect Identified
Authorities arrested 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman of Colorado Springs, who was reportedly heard shouting “Free Palestine” as he hurled an incendiary device into the crowd. The FBI confirmed Soliman’s identity but noted that no formal charges had been filed as of Sunday night.
Officials have not yet established ties to any organised group but promised a “thorough and complete investigation" into the attack.
2. Victims Include Elderly Peace Walkers
The six victims, aged between 67 to 88, were part of “Run for Their Lives,” a weekly gathering drawing attention to Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Two were airlifted with severe burns to a Denver hospital, while four others were treated locally. According to a report by New York Times, witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as flames spread and victims were stripped of burning clothes.
3. Officials Condemn Attack as 'Antisemitic Hate Crime'
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser called the incident “a hate crime given the group that was targeted.” Governor Jared Polis denounced it as a “vicious act of terrorism” and emphasised the attack’s timing on the eve of Shavuot, a significant Jewish holiday. Similarly, Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett described the event as “disgusting and appalling.”
4. Area Still Under Investigation
Police Chief Steve Redfearn confirmed downtown blocks were cordoned off following initial reports of possible additional suspects or explosive devices. As of late Sunday, only one suspect was believed to be involved, though investigators were continuing interviews and combing the area for potential threats.
5. Weekly Walk Suspended Amid Rising Fear
Longtime participant Lisa Effress, a local resident and filmmaker, told the New York Times that peaceful walks had faced protests in the past, but nothing like this. In the aftermath, the walking group decided via WhatsApp to cancel future events indefinitely. “It’s dangerous. It’s not safe for us,” Effress said, expressing both sorrow and defiance in the face of rising antisemitism.
