Eight individuals were hurt in Boulder, Colorado, when a man hurled Molotov cocktails at a pro-Israel gathering, prompting a strong response from authorities who classified the incident as a hate crime and an act of terrorism.
Colorado Fire Attack During Pro-Israel Rally Leaves Eight Injured
Colorado Fire Attack During Pro-Israel Rally Leaves Eight Injured
A suspect shouting "free Palestine" launched incendiary devices at attendees of a rally in Boulder, leading to an FBI investigation dubbed a suspected act of terrorism.
Multiple people were injured during a violent incident at a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, where a man shouted "free Palestine" while attacking attendees with incendiary devices. The FBI has labeled the incident a suspected act of terrorism. Police reported that the attack occurred at the Pearl Street Mall, approximately 30 miles from Denver, during a scheduled rally organized by a local group, Run for Their Lives, advocating for Israeli hostages.
The Boulder Police Chief, Stephen Redfearn, revealed that eight individuals aged between 52 and 88 sustained injuries after Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower were used by the assailant, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national. Authorities received emergency calls around 1:26 PM local time about the attack, which resulted in several people suffering from burns.
Witness accounts describe a chaotic scene as smoke enveloped the area, with participants fleeing for safety amidst flames and injured individuals on the ground. Relatively new to the country, Soliman entered California on a non-immigrant visa, expiring earlier this year. Footage reportedly captured Soliman shirtless, brandishing incendiary devices and taunting the crowd, exacerbating the panic as attendees attempted to help the injured.
The FBI's Denver office confirmed that the situation is being treated as a targeted act of violence. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser condemned the attack as a potential hate crime, emphasizing that differing opinions on global issues should not result in violence. The international fallout has been significant, with Israeli officials expressing outrage over what they describe as antisemitic terrorism. This incident follows another recent violent act related to the Gaza conflict, raising concerns over rising animosity and violence within the United States.
