Eight injured in 'petrol bomb and flamethrower' attack on pro-Israel rally as man arrested
1 June 2025, 22:57 | Updated: 2 June 2025, 09:21
The FBI is investigating what it's described as a “targeted terror attack” in Colorado, following reports that a man hurled petrol bombs at attendees of a pro-Israel event.
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At least eight people, some as old as 88 were injured in the incident.
The incident took place at Boulder Country Historic Courthouse, and a male suspect - 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman - is in custody.
Footage on social media shows a shirtless man holding bottles with cloth and clear liquid inside. Videos also show the man being detained at the scene.
Dan Bongino, a deputy director at the FBI, said: "We are investigating this incident as an act of terror, and targeted violence.
"All of the necessary assets will be dedicated to this investigation. If you have any investigative tips please contact the FBI. And if you aided or abetted this attack, we will find you. You cannot hide."
Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN, called the incident "pure anti-semitism" on social media, adding that the attack is "terrorism" and demanding "concrete action".
He said: "Jewish protesters were brutally attacked. Terrorism against Jews does not stop at the Gaza border- it is already burning the streets of America."
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. @FBI
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 1, 2025
“From what we know, this attack appears to be a hate crime given the group that was targeted," Colorado's Attorney General Phil Weiser said.
The group of people attacked were said to be peacefully demonstrating to show solidarity for Israeli hostages in Gaza, organised by a group called 'Run for Their Lives'.
Weiser continued: “People may have differing views about world events and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but violence is never the answer to settling differences.
"Hate has no place in Colorado.”
The Jewish community in Boulder released a statement condemning the attack.
"Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured," Boulder's Jewish Community said in a joint statement.
"When events like this enter our own community, we are shaken."
Boulder Police Department said it is carrying out evacuation as it continues to investigate the active incident.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a statement: "I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror.
"Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable. While details emerge, the state works with local and federal law enforcement to support this investigation."
Police have warned people to avoid the area and have increased the evacuation zone hour by hour.
They have also made a plea for helicopters to stop circling the scene on Pearl Street due to interference with drones investigating the attack.
Shocked by the terrible antisemitic terror attack targeting Jews in Boulder, Colorado.
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) June 1, 2025
This is pure Antisemitism, fueled by the blood libels spread in the media.
I spoke with our Ambassador in the US and our Consul General in LA.
I pray for those who were wounded in the…
Witnesses speaking to CBS said that a suspect attacked people with Molotov cocktails as they were participating in a walk to remember the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Police chief Steve Redfearn said that initial reports were that "people were being set on fire" and said some people had been taken to hospital with injuries that ranged from "very serious" to "minor".
Mr Redfearn told the media: "When we arrived we encountered multiple victims that were injured, with injuries consistent with burns."
The Run for Their Lives group meets regularly at the Pearl Street Mall to "share the message far and wide (specifically via social media) that the hostages have not been forgotten" during a "peaceful walk" but not a protest, according to the group.
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