Eight people were hospitalized after a man attacked demonstrators with a makeshift flamethrower during a pro-Israel event in Boulder, Colorado, on Thursday. Authorities say the suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is in custody and the FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
The victims, aged 52 to 88, were participating in Run for Their Lives, a weekly global demonstration to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza. According to The New York Times, Witnesses reported that the suspect shouted “Free Palestine” while launching the assault, which left two individuals in serious condition.
This attack follows a recent shooting that killed two Israeli embassy staff in Washington and has deepened concerns among Jewish communities across the country. Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the violence as a terror attack and expressed support for the victims and their families.
Federal investigators have not confirmed any direct organizational ties between Soliman and extremist groups but emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
Community leaders and organizers of the event have called for increased security measures at peaceful demonstrations and urged the public to reject violence as a form of protest.
As the victims continue to recover, local authorities are coordinating with federal agencies to assess the motive and broader implications of the attack, which has further heightened tensions during an already volatile period.