In brief
The suspect, who is illegally residing in the U.S., reportedly used a makeshift flamethrower during an attack on peaceful demonstrators in Boulder. The incident has raised concerns about rising antisemitism in the community, prompting statements from local officials condemning the violence.
The peaceful atmosphere of a weekly demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, was shattered on Sunday when an assailant launched an unexpected attack, resulting in eight individuals being hospitalized with serious injuries. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is currently in the U.S. illegally, having overstayed his tourist visa since February 2023, according to the Department of Homeland Security.The event was organized to draw attention to the plight of Israeli hostages taken during the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023. Witnesses described the scene, stating that Soliman used a “makeshift flamethrower” to target the crowd while shouting “Free Palestine.” The attack occurred in front of the Boulder County courthouse, leaving charred patches on the grass and numerous victims with burns among the civil participants.As first responders rushed to aid the wounded, community members reacted with disbelief and horror. Two of the injured were reported to be in serious condition, with some victims airlifted to a specialized burn unit in Denver. Soliman was apprehended shortly after the incident, facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, though it remains unclear if any casualties have resulted from his actions.The escalation of violence against the Jewish community has alarmed many in the region, particularly in light of recent events, including a deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., and an arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence. Local officials, including Colorado's governor and attorney general, have condemned the attack, describing it as a hate crime and reaffirming that violence will not be tolerated in their state.Community members who have participated in these demonstrations since their inception expressed profound sadness and fear about the future of such gatherings. The organizing group has decided to cancel their upcoming walks indefinitely, citing concerns for safety amidst the current climate of rising antisemitism and violence.
