Pearl Street Mall Terror Attack Leaves Six Injured in Boulder; FBI Launches Terrorism Investigation

A violent attack at Pearl Street Mall on Sunday afternoon left six people injured, including at least one critically burned. Federal officials are calling it a “targeted terror attack” connected to growing tensions around the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The suspect, 45-year-old Mohammed Sabry Soliman, is now in custody. Authorities say he used Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower during a peaceful walk organized by Run For Their Lives, a group raising awareness for Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

What Witnesses Saw

Around 1:26 p.m., marchers had gathered near the historic Boulder County Courthouse when the chaos began. Eyewitnesses described seeing fire erupt suddenly in the crowd.

One participant, Ed Victor, said he felt intense heat just moments after lining up. “It was a gas bomb in a glass jar,” he recalled. “A flame as high as a tree.” Others rushed to help, using water to douse the flames.

Victims ranged from 67 to 88 years old, according to Boulder police. Two were flown by helicopter to a burn unit, while four others were transported to a local hospital. Authorities confirmed all six were still receiving treatment by Sunday evening.

Motive and Charges

FBI officials quickly labeled the incident an act of terrorism. According to Special Agent Mike Michalek, Soliman was heard shouting “Free Palestine” and “End Zionist!” during the attack.

Investigators are working with the National Counterterrorism Center and local law enforcement to determine whether Soliman acted alone or had broader connections. A vehicle of interest was found nearby, but its link to the suspect is still under review.

Community Response

The incident has deeply shaken the Boulder community. The Jewish community of Boulder released a joint statement expressing heartbreak and reaffirming their commitment to safety.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the act as “hate-filled” and “unacceptable.” Attorney General Phil Weiser called it a likely hate crime and vowed full legal accountability for those responsible.

This marks another in a growing number of violent incidents linked to the Israel-Hamas war, including the recent fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.

Ongoing Investigation

Three blocks of Pearl Street remain closed to the public as investigators comb the area. Authorities continue to interview witnesses and analyze evidence found at the scene.

Police Chief Steve Redfearn refrained from immediately declaring a motive, but noted that injuries were consistent with burn-related attacks and that the group had been peacefully assembled.

The FBI says they will continue to speak clearly when facts warrant and that ideologically motivated violence will be treated as a serious federal matter.

What do you think communities can do to prevent hate-fueled violence in public spaces? Let us know in the comments.

More…

• https://www.thestar.com/news/world/united-states/6-injured-possibly-with-burns-in-a-colorado-attack-the-fbi-is-investigating-as-terrorism/article_e347be14-6241-5bc1-968d-c1326480b524.html
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/fbi-and-law-enforcement-respond-to-terror-attack-in-boulder-colorado
• https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-police-responding-to-boulder-pearl-street-mall-attack-multiple-injured