Washington, June 2 — A suspected terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado has left six Jewish protesters injured, one of them critically, after a man shouting “Free Palestine” attacked the group with a flamethrower during a peaceful demonstration on Sunday. The protest was reportedly calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed that the incident is being treated as an act of terrorism.
Suspect Arrested, Identified as Egyptian National
Authorities have identified the attacker as Mohamed Sabri Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national. He was swiftly arrested at the scene. According to NBC News, law enforcement sources confirmed that Soliman is not a U.S. citizen and had previously been denied a U.S. visa in 2005. It remains unclear how or when he entered the country.
During the attack, Soliman allegedly used an improvised flamethrower device and hurled a fire-starting explosive into a group of elderly protesters participating in the “Run for Their Lives” event in Boulder. The incident occurred outside a local Jewish community venue and is the latest in a troubling rise in antisemitic violence across the U.S. amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Victims and Medical Response
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfern confirmed that four of the victims were transported to Boulder Community Hospital, while two critically injured individuals were airlifted to the Burn Unit at Aurora Hospital in Metro Denver. All victims are elderly, and one remains in critical condition.
Leaders Condemn Attack, Call for Justice
Colorado Governor Jared Polis strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a “heinous act” and an attack on the freedom of expression. “We expect the suspect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said in a public statement.
Political leaders from both parties expressed solidarity with the victims. Senator Marco Rubio stated on X (formerly Twitter), “There is no place for terror in this great nation.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed similar sentiments, saying, “This is horrifying and cannot continue. We must stand against antisemitism in all forms.”
Federal Authorities Respond
FBI Director Kash Patel and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem officially designated the incident as a terrorist attack. White House officials confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation. During a press conference, FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Michalek described the device used as a “makeshift flamethrower,” noting that it was deployed intentionally into a densely populated area.
The FBI is also investigating how Soliman managed to enter the United States despite previous visa denial, and whether he had any affiliations with extremist groups.
Rising Concerns Over Antisemitic Violence
The Boulder attack follows recent violent incidents targeting Jewish individuals in the U.S., including a shooting outside the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., where two Israeli diplomatic staff were killed just days prior. Jewish organizations and civil rights groups have urged federal authorities to take swift and visible action against rising antisemitism.
As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies across the country have been placed on high alert to prevent any further incidents amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.