Firebomb Attack at Colorado Pro-Israel Rally Leaves 8 Injured

A peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado turned into chaos on Sunday when a man hurled firebombs into a crowd, injuring eight people. The attack, which took place at the bustling Pearl Street Mall, has been labeled an act of terrorism by the FBI and a hate crime by state officials.

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” before launching incendiary devices at attendees of a weekly event organized by Run for Their Lives, a group dedicated to raising awareness about the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza following Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel.

Four men and four women, ranging in age from 52 to 88, suffered burn injuries and were rushed to local hospitals. At least one victim was said to be in critical condition. Authorities initially reported six injuries before updating the count to eight.

“This is a targeted act of violence,” said Mark Michalek, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Denver Field Office. “We are investigating it as an act of terrorism.” Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn confirmed that Soliman acted alone, adding, “We’re fairly confident we have the lone suspect in custody.”

Witnesses described a terrifying scene. University of Colorado student Brooke Coffman, 19, said she saw several victims with severe burns. “One woman was wrapped in a flag-she looked burned over most of her body. Everyone was yelling for water,” she recalled. Coffman said she saw a shirtless man holding a glass bottle and shouting, moments before the flames erupted.

Run for Their Lives, the group behind the event, noted that their weekly walks had been peaceful since they began, until this shocking incident. The attack is being widely condemned by public figures and Jewish leaders.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the attack “pure antisemitism” and “a terrible antisemitic terror attack.”

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed the sentiment, urging Americans to stand against antisemitism: “This is horrifying, and this cannot continue.”

Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed heartbreak, calling it “unfathomable that the Jewish community is facing another terror attack here in Boulder.”

As the investigation continues, questions about Soliman’s background and immigration status remain. Stephen Miller, a senior aide under former President Donald Trump, claimed the suspect had overstayed his visa, using the attack to argue for tougher immigration controls. However, these claims remain unverified by official sources.

The Boulder firebombing comes amid growing tension in the U.S. surrounding the war in Gaza, with rising incidents of antisemitic and anti-Palestinian hate crimes fueling national division.

Authorities have promised a thorough investigation and urged the public to remain vigilant.