FBI: 6 elderly people wounded in Colorado attack, suspect shouted ‘Free Palestine

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, a peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, turned violent when six elderly participants were injured in an attack that the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism. The incident occurred during a walk organized by the group "Run For Their Lives," aimed at raising awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

The Incident

The attack took place around 1:26 p.m. local time at the Pearl Street Mall, a popular pedestrian area in downtown Boulder. Witnesses reported that the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, used a makeshift flamethrower and threw Molotov cocktails at the demonstrators. During the assault, Soliman allegedly shouted phrases such as "Free Palestine" and "End Zionists" .

Victims and Response

The victims, ranging in age from 67 to 88, sustained burn injuries, with one individual in critical condition. Emergency services responded promptly, and the suspect was apprehended at the scene and taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. Authorities evacuated a three-block area around the mall to ensure public safety and investigate the scene .

Investigation and Reactions

FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek stated that the attack was a "targeted act of violence" and is being investigated as an act of terrorism. While the FBI has taken the lead in the investigation, local law enforcement is also involved. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation before speculating on the motive .

Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack, describing it as a "vicious act of terrorism" and expressing solidarity with the victims and the Jewish community. The incident has raised concerns about rising antisemitic violence in the United States, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict .

Ongoing Developments

As of now, no formal charges have been filed against Soliman, but authorities have indicated that he will be held fully accountable for his actions. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working to determine the full extent of the attack and any potential connections to broader ideological movements.

The attack has prompted increased security measures in Boulder and other cities, especially around Jewish community centers and places of worship, as authorities seek to prevent further incidents and reassure the public.

When Protest Meets Pyromania

At approximately 1:26 p.m., a man now identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, allegedly approached the demonstrators with a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails. Witnesses say he shouted “Free Palestine” and “End Zionists” as he ignited the air—turning a peaceful protest into an inferno of fear.

Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek of the FBI stated at a press briefing:

“It is clear this was a targeted act of violence... We are investigating this as an act of terrorism.”

Chief Steve Redfearn of the Boulder Police confirmed that Molotov cocktails were thrown. He added that while they believe Soliman acted alone, the investigation remains active and evolving.

The Victims

Six people were hospitalized, one in critical condition. These are not young warriors; these are elderly individuals, grandparents and great-grandparents who came not to fight, but to speak for those held hostage thousands of miles away.

Their injuries are severe, mostly burns, and their trauma will likely outlast the flames that scorched their bodies.

A Fire Ignited by Ideology

Let’s not get it twisted: protests are democracy’s voice; violence is its cancer.

This was not just about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This was about extremism weaponizing ideology to inflict terror. When Molotov cocktails replace microphones, we’ve crossed a line that civilization cannot afford to blur.

According to CBS News and local sources, the suspect used homemade incendiary devices designed to maximize panic, pain, and political messaging.

FBI, Local Police, and National Fallout

The FBI took control within hours, sealing off a three-block radius in Boulder. Investigators are combing through social media posts, possible affiliations, and even online purchase records to determine Soliman’s motivations and network, if any.

So far, there's no public confirmation of foreign ties or whether the suspect acted under the influence of a larger organization or movement.

Political Reactions: Condemnation and Concern

Colorado Governor Jared Polis called it a “vicious act of terrorism” and promised justice. Jewish organizations across the U.S. have urged law enforcement to remain vigilant, citing increased threats and harassment post-October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, prompting an ongoing war in Gaza.

What’s Next?

Soliman has been hospitalized under armed guard. Federal charges are pending, likely including:

Use of a weapon of mass destruction

Attempted murder

Domestic terrorism

Hate crimes

The U.S. Attorney's Office is expected to file charges by the end of the week.

The Bigger Picture: Polarization and Radicalization

What happened in Boulder is not isolated. It is part of a broader, unsettling pattern:

Antisemitic incidents rose 388% in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2024 alone, according to the ADL.

Attacks on protestors—on both sides of the Israel-Palestine divide—have surged.

Social media has become a digital coliseum where extremists bait, radicalize, and provoke action.

We’re not just witnessing violence—we’re witnessing the weaponization of opinion.

When the Flame Outshines the Flag

Let’s call it what it is: an ideological ambush disguised as political expression.

This wasn’t activism. This was arson disguised as advocacy. Imagine an elderly woman holding a sign with trembling fingers, only to be engulfed in fire by someone who thinks her sign is a declaration of war.

This is not what protest looks like. This is what terrorism feels like.

And in that moment, when flame danced in the air and screams drowned out slogans, we weren’t arguing over policy—we were deciding whether decency still had a seat at the table.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Fire Burn the Bridges

It’s easy to get caught in the emotional echo chamber of “us versus them.” But let us not mistake outrage for action and rage for righteousness.

Violence is not the voice of the oppressed. It’s the language of those who’ve abandoned reason.

If we’re to come out of this season stronger, we must:

Protect the right to protest peacefully

Condemn all forms of extremism, not just those that align with our politics

Ensure our law enforcement agencies are prepared for ideologically driven domestic threats

Because a Molotov thrown at the elderly isn’t just terrorism—it’s a reminder that if we don’t stand together for civility, we may all burn in the fires of extremism.