In a shocking and violent turn of events, a man identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, from El Paso County, Colorado, allegedly attacked a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder on Sunday, using what officials described as a “makeshift flamethrower.” The incident has sparked local and federal investigations, with authorities saying Soliman could face two counts of first-degree murder, despite no deaths being confirmed as of yet.
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office released booking details early Monday, stating that Soliman is potentially facing charges for first-degree murder with extreme indifference, as well as first-degree murder with deliberation and intent involving a gun. He is also facing charges of attempted murder, first-degree assault, causing serious injury to an at-risk adult (over 70), and use of incendiary or explosive devices.
Soliman was booked just before midnight and is currently being held on $10 million bail. His court appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. local time (3:30 p.m. ET).
Eight Hospitalized, Victims Between Ages 52 and 88
Authorities confirmed that eight people were injured, all aged between 52 and 88, and were hospitalized with burns and other injuries. According to officials, the victims were part of a weekly demonstration organized by the local activist group Run for Their Lives — Boulder, which raises awareness about Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The violent assault occurred at approximately 1:26 p.m. in front of the historic Boulder County Courthouse, as demonstrators were peacefully assembling. One witness told dispatchers that “a man with a weapon… was setting people on fire.”
Attack Labeled Terrorism, Immigration Status Under Scrutiny
The FBI has classified the assault as a “targeted terror attack” and has opened a federal investigation. FBI Denver Special Agent Mark Michalek stated that Soliman was taken into custody at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the active investigation and emphasized the federal agency’s role in determining the scope and motivation behind the attack.
Meanwhile, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller made headlines by stating that Soliman was in the country illegally, having overstayed a tourist visa originally granted by the Biden administration. Miller said Soliman was later issued a work permit, calling the attack “a terror incident” and blaming lax immigration policies for enabling such threats. “Suicidal migration must be fully reversed,” Miller stated.
Attorney General Weiser Links Attack to Hate Crime
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, whose family survived the Holocaust, expressed deep concern over the nature of the attack. He said the assault on demonstrators, many of whom are elderly and Jewish, appears to be a hate crime. “Given the targeted group, there is strong indication of hateful intent,” Weiser said, offering full support to local prosecutors.
Community in Shock Over Hate-Fueled Violence
The city of Boulder, known for its progressive and peaceful image, was left in shock following the attack. Local residents and activists from Run for Their Lives — Boulder said they have held peaceful vigils and marches every week since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks on Israel, which saw over 250 hostages taken. Of those, 23 hostages are believed to still be alive in captivity.
The latest attack, which took place during one of these peaceful demonstrations, has rattled the community and reignited concerns about politically motivated violence and rising antisemitism in the United States.
Legal Proceedings
Soliman will be formally arraigned Monday afternoon. Legal experts believe the first-degree murder charges filed, despite no confirmed deaths, suggest prosecutors may be building a case based on “extreme indifference to human life”—a charge permissible under Colorado law in the event of serious bodily harm or life-threatening actions.
Authorities have yet to release additional details about Soliman’s immigration history, the exact construction of the flamethrower used, or whether he had any known affiliations with extremist groups.
