At least eight people suffered burn injuries on Sunday afternoon after a man attacked a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, using a makeshift flamethrower. The FBI is now treating the incident as a targeted terror attack, while local and federal authorities continue investigating the motive behind this shocking act of violence.
The victims, four men and four women between the ages of 52 and 88, were participating in a weekly gathering known as “Run for Their Lives,” a solidarity event organised by members of the Jewish community to raise awareness about Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Emergency responders quickly transported all eight individuals to local hospitals for treatment. According to Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn, at least one of the burn injuries victims remains in critical condition.
The incident took place around 1:30 p.m. during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as a man shouted pro-Palestinian slogans before unleashing flames on the crowd.
“He came out of nowhere, screaming, and then fire was everywhere,” said one witness who asked not to be named.
In widely circulated video footage, the shirtless suspect—later identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman—is seen holding clear bottles, pacing as flames engulf the grass in front of him. He can be heard yelling, “End Zionists!” and “They are killers!” while others rush to help a victim lying on the ground who appears to be suffering from burn injuries. The disturbing visuals capture the immediate aftermath of the attack, as bystanders attempt to assist those injured by the flames and smoke.
According to FBI Special Agent Mark Michalek, the attacker used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the group. “Witnesses reported hearing him shout ‘Free Palestine!’ just before the flames erupted,” Michalek said.
The FBI and Colorado authorities have since labeled the incident both a terrorist act and a hate crime, though Boulder Police cautioned that the full motive remains under investigation.
FBI Chief Kash Patel described the violence as “a targeted terror attack,” while Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser echoed that statement, saying, “People may have differing views about world events, but violence is never the answer. Hate has no place in Colorado.”
Boulder Police have taken Soliman into custody. He was also injured during the confrontation and is currently being held pending further charges.
Initial reports suggested a second perpetrator might have been involved, but Police Chief Redfearn later confirmed, “We do not believe that there is an additional suspect at large at this time.”
Burn Injuries Raise Concerns Over Use of Homemade Weapons
The burn injuries sustained in Sunday’s attack have reignited concerns about the use of improvised weapons at protests and public events. Experts warn that makeshift flamethrowers and Molotov cocktails pose extreme dangers, especially in crowded public spaces.
In this case, the homemade incendiary device not only inflicted severe burn injuries but also sparked a fire that created thick black smoke and further chaos among rally participants.
“These types of weapons are not only dangerous—they’re lethal,” said Dr. Lena Grover, an emergency physician specialising in burn injuries. “Treating these injuries requires specialised care, and recovery can take months or even years.”
The attack has been widely condemned by Jewish organisations, U.S. lawmakers, and international officials.
“This was a violent, antisemitic attack that targeted our community in a moment of peaceful expression,” said the Anti-Defamation League in a statement.
Israel’s top diplomat, Gideon Saar, called the assault “a terrible antisemitic terror attack targeting Jews in Boulder,” while Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon warned, “Terrorism against Jews does not stop at the Gaza border—it is already burning the streets of America.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the event as a “targeted terror attack,” and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said the suspect had “illegally overstayed his visa.” President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, according to White House sources.
The Boulder community remains in shock following the attack, with many questioning how such violence—resulting in multiple burn injuries—could erupt in a quiet, progressive city. Local resident Alexis Cendon expressed disbelief: “We live in a developed country. These things are not supposed to happen here.”
Community leaders and law enforcement officials are urging vigilance and encouraging the public to report any suspicious behaviour near public demonstrations or cultural gatherings. “This is an attack on all of us,” said a spokesperson for the Israeli-American Council. “And we will not stay silent.”
As eight victims recover from burn injuries sustained during Sunday’s terrifying assault, the Boulder attack stands as a stark reminder of how hatred, if unchecked, can erupt into real-world violence. With federal agencies now involved and public pressure mounting, the incident may become a pivotal moment in America’s ongoing struggle to combat domestic extremism and religiously motivated hate crimes.
Source- EWN
