Colorado Fire Attack Leaves Eight Injured as Suspect Shouts “Free Palestine”

Introduction

On June 1, 2025, eight people between the ages of 52 and 88 were injured in Boulder, Colorado, when a man attacked a peaceful rally after shouting “Free Palestine.” The incident, which authorities are treating as an act of terrorism, unfolded against the backdrop of rising global tension surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. What began as a quiet demonstration quickly transformed into a chaotic scene marked by flames, panic, and the unsettling reminder that international conflicts can spill over into everyday American life.

The Incident: What Happened in Boulder

The attacker, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, approached the gathering at Pearl Street Mall armed with a makeshift flamethrower and homemade incendiary devices. The rally had been organized by a grassroots group dedicated to raising awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza — a routine community walk that had never before encountered violence.

Witnesses described the moment the suspect shouted “Free Palestine” before releasing a burst of flames toward the crowd. Others recalled seeing burning liquid arc through the air as Molotov-style devices ignited on impact. Eight people were struck by fire, suffering burns and related injuries, and were quickly transported to nearby hospitals. Officials reported that the severity of injuries ranged from minor to serious, with several victims requiring immediate medical intervention.

The Suspect’s Motive and Arrest

Authorities say Soliman had spent nearly a year planning the attack. In his statements to investigators, he claimed he viewed the demonstrators as a “Zionist group” and had prepared the assault with the intention of dying during the act. He had filled a backpack sprayer with fuel, fashioned it into a crude flamethrower, and reportedly disguised himself as a gardener in order to blend in with the marchers.

After the initial burst of flames, Soliman briefly retreated into nearby bushes, only to return moments later and hurl another incendiary device toward the crowd. During this second attempt, he accidentally ignited himself. Disoriented and injured, he was taken into custody with little resistance.

Legal Response and Charges

Soliman now faces an extensive list of criminal charges. Prosecutors have filed multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder as well as charges related to the use of explosive and incendiary devices. Federal authorities have added hate-crime charges, citing ideological motivation behind the attack.

The FBI is treating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism, emphasizing that the assault was premeditated, targeted, and rooted in extremist beliefs. Local law enforcement officials have stated that they believe Soliman acted alone and that there is no evidence of a broader network involved.

Impact on Victims and the Community

The victims, all older adults who regularly participated in the weekly awareness walks, faced horrifying moments as flames spread through the crowd. One particularly disturbing video captured by bystanders shows a woman engulfed in fire as people rushed to pour water over her in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames.

Witnesses described scenes of confusion, fear, and sudden urgency. One woman recounted seeing a “rope of fire” stretch across the walkway, followed by the explosive flash of two large bursts of flame. People scrambled to pull each other to safety, using jackets, water bottles, and their bare hands to help those who were burning.

Community leaders have since gathered to support the victims, acknowledging the emotional trauma endured not only by those physically injured but also by the broader local population shaken by the attack.

Broader Context: Rising Tensions Worldwide

This violent outburst in Colorado is reflective of heightened global tension linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. As the war continues to generate intense political, emotional, and religious reactions worldwide, communities far removed from the battlefield have experienced increased hostility, polarization, and incidents of hate-motivated violence.

Across the United States, antisemitic incidents have risen sharply, prompting concerns about safety at Jewish sites and gatherings. Security measures have been strengthened in several major cities, with authorities urging vigilance amid fears that global events could continue to serve as catalysts for domestic extremism.

Immigration Angle and Controversy

Soliman, an Egyptian national, had reportedly overstayed his visa. Following his arrest, federal immigration authorities took his wife and five children into custody, sparking debate over immigration enforcement, the responsibilities of host countries, and the challenges of identifying individuals who may be vulnerable to radicalization.

The situation has renewed discussions about national security and the balance between humanitarian openness and protective oversight, particularly at a time when ideological violence is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Why This Matters: Violence, Identity, and Global Conflict

Ideological Spillover: The attack highlights how international conflicts can inspire individuals in distant countries to commit acts of violence based on global political identities.

Hate-Crime Risks: Peaceful gatherings centered on solidarity or awareness remain vulnerable, underscoring the importance of protecting civic spaces.

Threats to Social Cohesion: Such incidents erode community trust and widen divisions at a time when societies are already strained by global events.

Immigration and Security: The suspect’s background raises complex but necessar

Introduction

On June 1, 2025, eight people between the ages of 52 and 88 were injured in Boulder, Colorado, when a man attacked a peaceful rally after shouting “Free Palestine.” The incident, which authorities are treating as an act of terrorism, unfolded against the backdrop of rising global tension surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. What began as a quiet demonstration quickly transformed into a chaotic scene marked by flames, panic, and the unsettling reminder that international conflicts can spill over into everyday American life.

The Incident: What Happened in Boulder

The attacker, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, approached the gathering at Pearl Street Mall armed with a makeshift flamethrower and homemade incendiary devices. The rally had been organized by a grassroots group dedicated to raising awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza — a routine community walk that had never before encountered violence.

Witnesses described the moment the suspect shouted “Free Palestine” before releasing a burst of flames toward the crowd. Others recalled seeing burning liquid arc through the air as Molotov-style devices ignited on impact. Eight people were struck by fire, suffering burns and related injuries, and were quickly transported to nearby hospitals. Officials reported that the severity of injuries ranged from minor to serious, with several victims requiring immediate medical intervention.

The Suspect’s Motive and Arrest

Authorities say Soliman had spent nearly a year planning the attack. In his statements to investigators, he claimed he viewed the demonstrators as a “Zionist group” and had prepared the assault with the intention of dying during the act. He had filled a backpack sprayer with fuel, fashioned it into a crude flamethrower, and reportedly disguised himself as a gardener in order to blend in with the marchers.

After the initial burst of flames, Soliman briefly retreated into nearby bushes, only to return moments later and hurl another incendiary device toward the crowd. During this second attempt, he accidentally ignited himself. Disoriented and injured, he was taken into custody with little resistance.

Legal Response and Charges

Soliman now faces an extensive list of criminal charges. Prosecutors have filed multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder as well as charges related to the use of explosive and incendiary devices. Federal authorities have added hate-crime charges, citing ideological motivation behind the attack.

The FBI is treating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism, emphasizing that the assault was premeditated, targeted, and rooted in extremist beliefs. Local law enforcement officials have stated that they believe Soliman acted alone and that there is no evidence of a broader network involved.

Impact on Victims and the Community

The victims, all older adults who regularly participated in the weekly awareness walks, faced horrifying moments as flames spread through the crowd. One particularly disturbing video captured by bystanders shows a woman engulfed in fire as people rushed to pour water over her in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames.

Witnesses described scenes of confusion, fear, and sudden urgency. One woman recounted seeing a “rope of fire” stretch across the walkway, followed by the explosive flash of two large bursts of flame. People scrambled to pull each other to safety, using jackets, water bottles, and their bare hands to help those who were burning.

Community leaders have since gathered to support the victims, acknowledging the emotional trauma endured not only by those physically injured but also by the broader local population shaken by the attack.

Broader Context: Rising Tensions Worldwide

This violent outburst in Colorado is reflective of heightened global tension linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. As the war continues to generate intense political, emotional, and religious reactions worldwide, communities far removed from the battlefield have experienced increased hostility, polarization, and incidents of hate-motivated violence.

Across the United States, antisemitic incidents have risen sharply, prompting concerns about safety at Jewish sites and gatherings. Security measures have been strengthened in several major cities, with authorities urging vigilance amid fears that global events could continue to serve as catalysts for domestic extremism.

Immigration Angle and Controversy

Soliman, an Egyptian national, had reportedly overstayed his visa. Following his arrest, federal immigration authorities took his wife and five children into custody, sparking debate over immigration enforcement, the responsibilities of host countries, and the challenges of identifying individuals who may be vulnerable to radicalization.

The situation has renewed discussions about national security and the balance between humanitarian openness and protective oversight, particularly at a time when ideological violence is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Why This Matters: Violence, Identity, and Global Conflict

Ideological Spillover: The attack highlights how international conflicts can inspire individuals in distant countries to commit acts of violence based on global political identities.

Hate-Crime Risks: Peaceful gatherings centered on solidarity or awareness remain vulnerable, underscoring the importance of protecting civic spaces.

Threats to Social Cohesion: Such incidents erode community trust and widen divisions at a time when societies are already strained by global events

Immigration and Security: The suspect’s background raises complex but necessary conversations about immigration policy, monitoring, and support systems.

Conclusion

The fire attack in Boulder serves as a stark reminder of how deeply global tensions can infiltrate local communities. Eight people were wounded in an act of violence born from ideological anger and international conflict. As authorities continue their investigations, the community faces the difficult task of healing while confronting broader questions about extremism, safety, and the fragile balance of civil liberties.

In a world where distant conflicts increasingly shape local realities, this incident stands as a call for vigilance, dialogue, and collective responsibility.