At least six people have been burned in a “targeted terror attack” in Colorado’s Boulder at Park Street Mall during a rally for Israeli hostages in Gaza. The suspect used a makeshift flamethrower during the attack and yelled “free Palestine”, an official said. The FBI director immediately described it as act of terror and said that federal agents have joined local law enforcement on the scene.
The suspect who has been taken into custody, has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, said Mark Michalek, the special agent in charge of the Denver field office.
What do we know of the attack?
The incident occurred at the well-known Pearl Street pedestrian mall in downtown Boulder, a four-block stretch where demonstrators from a volunteer group called Run For Their Lives had gathered. The group was holding a march to raise awareness about hostages still being held in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Video from the attack site showed a witness shouting, “He is right there. He is throwing Molotov cocktails.” A police officer was seen with his gun drawn advancing on a bare-chested suspect with containers in each hand.
Even though no charges were immediately announced, officials said they expect to hold the 45-year-old "fully accountable.” Soliman who was also injured during the attack was taken to a hospital, however authorities did not detail on his injuries.
FBI investigating the attack as terrorism
FBI officials in Washington have confirmed they are treating the Boulder attack as an act of terrorism. The Justice Department condemned the assault as a “needless act of violence,” noting it comes amid a rise in attacks targeting Jewish Americans.
FBI Director Kash Patel in a post on X said, "We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available."
"This act of terror is being investigated as an act of ideologically motivated violence based on the early information, the evidence, and witness accounts. We will speak clearly on these incidents when the facts warrant it," FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said.
Following the attack, police evacuated several blocks of the pedestrian mall, as law enforcement officers, including a K-9 unit, swept the area for potential threats and urged the public to avoid the vicinity.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a statement saying he was “closely monitoring” the situation and emphasised that "hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable".
