Terror Attack at Pro-Israel Rally in Boulder: Suspect Identified as Egyptian National Living Illegally in U.S.
BOULDER, Colo. — A peaceful pro-Israel demonstration turned into a scene of terror on Sunday, June 1, when a man launched a violent attack on participants at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. The assailant, identified as 45-year-old Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, used Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower to target the crowd, injuring eight individuals aged between 52 and 88. Among the victims was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. Two victims remain in critical condition but are expected to survive.
Immigration Status and Legal Proceedings
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Soliman entered the United States on a B-2 tourist visa in August 2022 and applied for asylum in September 2022. His visa expired in February 2023, and although he was granted a work permit, it lapsed on March 28, 2025. Since then, he has been residing in the country illegally.
Soliman was apprehended at the scene with minor injuries. He faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, use of explosives, and assault on elderly victims. His bail has been set at $10 million.
Community and Official Responses
The attack has been condemned by various officials and organizations. Colorado Governor Jared Polis denounced the act as a “hateful and unacceptable action,” expressing his sympathy for the victims. The Anti-Defamation League reported that the targeted event was a regular gathering of the local Jewish community known as “Boulder Run for Their Lives.”
This incident follows a recent deadly shooting of Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C., and adds to a troubling trend of antisemitic violence in the U.S., with 1,989 anti-Jewish hate crimes recorded in 2023 according to the FBI.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism and is collaborating with local authorities to investigate the motive behind the attack. Soliman reportedly shouted slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “End Zionist!” during the assault, indicating ideological motivations.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
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