DENVER (KDVR) — A suspect illegally in the country used a “makeshift flame thrower” on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on Sunday to attack a group that gathered peacefully in support of Israeli hostages in Gaza, authorities said.
Officials said eight victims were injured, four women and four men, between 52 and 88 years old.
The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was booked into jail on several charges on Sunday.
FBI: Pearl Street suspect was from El Paso County
Witnesses reported the suspect also threw an incendiary device into the crowd and was heard yelling “Free Palestine.”
⬇️ Jump to: Live blog with updates below.
On Sunday night, Boulder County Jail booking records showed Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was booked on the following charges:
- Crimes against at risk adult/elderly > 70 – serious injury
- Murder in the first degree – deliberation with intent – non family – gun
- Murder in the first degree extreme indifference
- Criminal attempt to commit class one felony
- First degree assault – non family – weapon
- Criminal attempt to commit class two felony
- Explosives or incendiary devices use during felony – incendiary
- First degree assault – heat of passion – non family – weapon
The injuries sustained in the attack, Chief of Boulder Police Stephen Redfearn said, range from minor to severe. One witness told FOX31 that, “Every, every one of the victims I could tell that I saw had skin basically melted or hanging from their, from their legs.” Another victim said he saw a woman on fire.
Sunday’s attack occurred during a peaceful, weekly demonstration held by Run for Their Lives in Boulder. The group described itself as an apolitical organization that has the sole mission of “walking peacefully to raise awareness for the 58 hostages still held in captivity by Hamas in Gaza.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peacefully calling for the swift return of all the hostages.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman was booked on several charges after the Pearl Street Mall attack (Courtesy of the Boulder Police Department)
The suspect in an attack on a pro-Israel group on the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Courtesy Brian H.)
The suspect in an attack on a pro-Israel group on the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Courtesy Brian H.)
The suspect in an attack on a pro-Israel group on the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Courtesy Brian H.)
Law enforcement officials dress in protective gear to investigate after an attack on the Pearl Street Mall Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Law enforcement officials investigate after an attack on the Pearl Street Mall Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Law enforcement officials dress to investigate after an attack on the Peark Street Mall Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
FOX31 reporter Jim Hooley was at the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, June 1. (KDVR)
A tank associated with the suspect in an attack on a pro-Israel group on the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Courtesy Brian H.)
Law enforcement officials investigate after an attack on the Pearl Street Mall, Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Law enforcement officials investigate after an attack on the Pearl Street Mall, Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Law enforcement officials investigate after an attack on the Pearl Street Mall, Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
FOX31 reporter Jim Hooley was at the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, June 1. (KDVR)
Redfearn said that he was aware of national law enforcement calling the incident a “terror attack,” but said he would not speculate on motive during this early stage of the investigation.
The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said it was supporting the county and prepared to provide resources as requested.
13th Street, which crosses the Pearl Street Mall, is a car-accessible road that crosses the walkable portion of the shopping area. The roadway borders the Boulder County Historic Courthouse and a few other county offices.
An official with the Department of Homeland Security said Soliman is in the U.S. illegally. He allegedly entered the country in August 2022 on a B2 visa, which expired in February 2023. DHS also said he filed for asylum in September 2022.
FOX News is reporting that DHS sources said Soliman was an Egyptian national.
Gov. Jared Polis released this statement following an attack on demonstrators in Boulder calling for the release of hostages in Gaza.
“My thoughts go out to the people who have been injured by this heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community. Boulder is strong. We have overcome tragedies together and will get through this together as a community. I’ve spoken with Boulder Mayor Brockett, and my administration is working closely with local and federal law enforcement on this afternoon’s attack. I thank the first responders who ran to help the injured and ensure victims received medical attention needed and to apprehend the suspect. As the Jewish community reels from the recent antisemitic murders in Washington, D.C., it is unfathomable that the community is facing another antisemitic attack here in Boulder, on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot. Several individuals were brutally attacked while peacefully drawing attention to the plight of hostages who have been held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 604 days. Hate is unacceptable in our Colorado for all, and I condemn this act of terror. The suspect should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Gov. Jared Polis
FBI Acting Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said the incident is being investigated as an act of terror.
One man spoke to FOX31’s Jeremy Hubbard about the incident and said he was afraid of repercussions to his family.
“You see all these hate crimes that are going on around the country, things that are happening to Jews all around the country, and I’ve got two kids and despite my my initial instinct to run into this situation it’s once I was there, I realized how dangerous it was, which is one of the reasons why I didn’t go and and tackle this guy,” Brian told Hubbard. “But like I didn’t want to do anything that would affect my family.”
The investigation is active and ongoing. The FBI is asking anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Anyone with videos, social media posts and recordings is asked to upload them at fbi.gov/boulderattack.
