In a quiet corner of Boulder, Colorado, a peaceful Sunday afternoon turned into a scene of terror and chaos as flames erupted among a group of demonstrators gathered to advocate for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The attack, which left twelve people injured, including several with severe burns, has shaken the community and drawn national attention to issues of hate-driven violence and immigration enforcement. Among the victims, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor bore the brunt of the assault, a painful reminder of the persistent specter of antisemitism. Two of the injured remain hospitalized, one in critical condition, as the city grapples with the aftermath of what authorities have described as a meticulously planned act of terrorism.
The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, was arrested at the scene on June 1, 2025, after allegedly hurling Molotov cocktails and wielding a makeshift flamethrower at the crowd. The demonstration, organized by Run for Their Lives, a grassroots group that holds weekly walks to raise awareness about the 58 hostages still held in Gaza, was targeted with chilling precision. Soliman, who had been living in Colorado Springs, confessed to investigators that he had planned the attack for over a year, delaying it until after his daughter’s high school graduation just days prior. Disguised as a landscaper, complete with an orange vest and flowers purchased from a local Home Depot, he approached the group unnoticed before unleashing his incendiary devices.
Court documents reveal a disturbing portrait of Soliman’s intentions. He admitted to researching how to make Molotov cocktails on YouTube, purchasing gasoline and glass bottles to construct the weapons. He told investigators he had initially intended to use a firearm but was unable to purchase one due to his lack of legal status in the United States. Instead, he resorted to homemade explosives, throwing two Molotov cocktails into the crowd while shouting “Free Palestine” and expressing a desire to “kill all Zionist people.” Authorities recovered 16 additional unlit Molotov cocktails at the scene, along with a backpack sprayer filled with gasoline, underscoring the potential for even greater devastation. Soliman expressed no remorse, stating he would carry out the attack again if given the chance.
Soliman’s immigration status has become a focal point of the investigation. He entered the United States in August 2022 on a B1/B2 tourist visa, which expired in February 2023. He applied for asylum the following month and was granted temporary work authorization in March 2023, but that too expired in March 2025, rendering his presence in the country unlawful. On June 3, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Soliman’s wife and five children, who are now facing expedited removal proceedings. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that authorities are investigating whether the family had any knowledge of or involvement in Soliman’s plans, though initial reports indicate they were cooperative, with his wife turning over his iPhone to police after his arrest.
The attack has sent shockwaves through Boulder’s tight-knit community and beyond, prompting strong reactions from public officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement vowing that the Trump administration would take a hardline stance against “terrorists, their family members, and terrorist sympathizers” on visas, promising to revoke their status and deport them. President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, condemning the attack as a consequence of lax immigration policies and pledging to prosecute Soliman to the fullest extent of the law. Meanwhile, local leaders, including Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn, emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with no prior indications that Soliman posed a threat. The FBI, treating the incident as an act of terrorism, is reviewing surveillance footage and digital evidence to determine if Soliman acted alone.
For the members of Run for Their Lives, the attack has not diminished their resolve. Omer Shachar, a co-leader of the Boulder chapter, described the moment the Molotov cocktail landed at his feet, setting friends ablaze. Despite the trauma, he remains committed to the group’s mission. “We are Jewish and non-Jewish, Americans and non-Americans, united for one cause—to bring the hostages home,” he said. While the organization has paused its weekly walks to reassess safety measures, Shachar vowed to continue as soon as possible, working closely with law enforcement to ensure the group’s message endures.
Soliman faces a litany of charges, including a federal hate crime, 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder, assault, and possession of incendiary devices. If convicted, he could face life in prison. As Boulder mourns and heals, the incident has reignited debates over immigration, security, and the rising tide of antisemitic violence in the United States, leaving a community determined to stand firm in the face of hate.
