The suspect has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was being confronted by crowd (Image Credit: X)
At least six people were injured in what the FBI called a “targeted terror attack” in the US state of Colorado after a suspect carried out an “act of terrorism” on a pedestrian mall on Sunday afternoon. The suspect has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was allegedly heard yelling “Free Palestine” while using a “makeshift flamethrower” and throwing an incendiary device at the crowd, according to Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek.Six people were hospitalized with burns, including one who was seriously injured, according to the police. Here are 10 things to know about attack
- What happened?: Mohamed Sabry Soliman, aged 45, allegedly carried out an assault using a “makeshift flamethrower” and an “incendiary device”. During the incident, he was heard exclaiming “free Palestine”. The attack targeted a gathering at a “regularly scheduled, weekly, peaceful event”, which was identified as a Run for Their Lives programme that advocates for Israeli hostages currently detained in Gaza. Law enforcement officials have expressed confidence in having apprehended the sole perpetrator and have found no links between the suspect and any organised groups.
- Who are the victims: Six individuals, with ages ranging from 67 to 88 years, were injured in the attack. All victims required hospitalisation for treatment of burns and additional injuries. Reports indicate that at least one person sustained severe injuries.
- A video, apparently filmed during the incident, shows a shirtless man holding spray bottles as a fire burns on the grass in front of him. He is heard yelling, “End Zionists!”, “Palestine is Free!” and “They are killers!” toward people in red t-shirts tending to someone lying on the ground.In another video shared on X, the same man is seen arguing with bystanders, saying at one point, “I can, I can.”
- Authorities vow to hold suspect ‘fully accountable’: Boulder County’s District Attorney Michael Dougherty aligns with the FBI’s assessment, stating “we are in the very early stages here”. He confirms the unified approach amongst agencies, saying “to hold the attacker fully accountable”. “That is my promise,” he states. “We are fully united 100% in making sure the charges we bring hold the attacker fully accountable.” The police have indicated that no additional updates will be provided this evening.
- ‘Targeted terror attack,’ says FBI: FBI Director Kash Patel has called the incident a ‘terror attack’ while Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said it “appears to be a hate crime given the group that was targeted.” In a post on X, Kash Patel 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.”
- Who is the suspect: The FBI has revealed that Mohamed Sabry Soliman was responsible for the incident where he shouted “free Palestine” whilst attacking a march in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday. The 45-year-old Soliman had targeted the American Jewish organisation Run for Their Lives, which coordinates events advocating for the swift release of Hamas-held hostages, as stated on their website.
- ‘Violence must stop,’ says homeland Security Secretary: The department of homeland security’s head, Kristi Noem, confirmed that her organisation is collaborating with various agencies, notably the FBI, and promised to provide additional details once available. “We are praying for the victims and their families. This violence must stop.
- Witness recounts: Eyewitnesses told investigators the suspect also allegedly yelled “End Zionist!” during the attack. They reported seeing individuals lying on the ground in pain while others rushed with water to provide assistance. According to UCHealth, two casualties were airlifted to their burn treatment facility. Police confirmed that Boulder Community Hospital received four additional patients. Redfearn stated that all six patients remained under medical care as of 7 p.m. local time.
- Tulsi Gabbard thanks first responders and local authorities for your quick response: Director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said on social media, “The @ODNIgov’s National Counterterrorism Center is working with the FBI and local law enforcement on the ground investigating the targeted terror attack against a weekly meeting of Jewish community members who had just gathered in Boulder, CO to raise awareness of the hostages kidnapped during Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Thank you to first responders and local authorities for your quick response and action.”
- Run For Their Lives, the event organiser, emphasised, “This is not a protest; it is a peaceful walk to show solidarity with the hostages and their families, and a plea for their release.” The participants gathered at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Pearl Street and 8th Street, proceeding to walk along Pearl Street Mall in both directions, pausing at the courthouse to view a video presentation.
