What began as a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado turned into a scene of chaos and terror on Sunday when a man allegedly hurled Molotov cocktails at the crowd, injuring at least eight people. The suspect, now identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while launching the homemade explosives. Authorities quickly labeled it a targeted terror attack.
The disturbing incident has raised serious questions about immigration oversight and public safety, especially after it emerged that Soliman was in the U.S. on an expired visa and outdated work permit.
Who Is Mohamed Soliman and How Did He End Up Here?
Soliman, an Egyptian national, initially entered the U.S. in August 2022 through Los Angeles International Airport on a tourist visa. That visa was valid until February 2023.
Instead of leaving, he stayed — and was later granted a two-year work permit by the Biden administration in March 2023.
That permit expired in March 2025, three months before the attack.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller confirmed the suspect’s immigration status, calling him an “illegal alien” and linking the issue directly to national security.
Congressman Brendan Gill also weighed in, criticizing the Biden administration for allowing Soliman to remain in the country despite his repeated visa violations.
FBI Calls It Terror, But Some Still Hesitate
Law enforcement officials, including the FBI’s Denver office, are treating the firebombing as a deliberate act of terrorism.
Special Agent Mark Michalek emphasized that violent threats to communities are becoming disturbingly frequent across the nation.
However, not everyone is aligned on that conclusion. CNN analyst Juliette Kayyem criticized the FBI for calling it terrorism before Boulder’s police chief had done so, arguing the agency appeared premature in its assessment.
Her comments received strong backlash online, especially as footage clearly showed the attacker ranting about Zionism while launching the incendiary devices.
What Happened During the Attack?
The terrifying moment unfolded around 1:30 p.m. local time on Sunday.
Eyewitnesses described a shirtless man wielding clear glass bottles filled with flammable liquid.
He reportedly screamed, “End Zionists! They are killers!” before hurling the explosives into the crowd.
Video footage captured the aftermath — a blaze erupting near demonstrators, people screaming, and victims lying on the ground with visible burns.
A young witness, Brooke Coffman, said she saw four women with burns on their legs, including one who appeared to be severely burned and was wrapped in a flag by a fellow protester.
Others described flames as high as trees and a “gas bomb in a glass jar” being thrown.
The Victims: From Holocaust Survivor to Community Leaders
Police have not yet publicly named the eight victims, who range in age from 52 to 88.
However, community leaders Rabbi Israel Wilhelm and filmmaker Lisa Effress confirmed that one of the victims is a Holocaust survivor.
The injuries were severe — at least three people remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition.
The rally was meant to honor Israeli hostages still held in Gaza following the October 7 attacks.
The victims were simply there to show support and solidarity, not expecting their peaceful gathering to turn into a firebomb nightmare.
Tightened Security Nationwide in Response
In response to the Colorado attack, law enforcement across the country has increased security at Jewish and religious sites — particularly in New York City, where Shavuot celebrations were underway.
The NYPD confirmed an elevated presence in sensitive areas, citing concerns over growing antisemitic threats nationwide.
Mental Health Questions Surface
Authorities are also investigating whether Soliman may have been dealing with mental health issues.
Sources told CNN that investigators are looking into his online activity and past behavior.
One law enforcement insider noted that the type of attack — using crude Molotov cocktails — doesn’t suggest planning for mass casualties, which has sparked questions about his state of mind.
Still, the brutality of the act has left many unconvinced that mental health alone explains the motive.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Soliman is currently being held in Boulder County jail on a $10 million bond and faces eight felony charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, first-degree assault, and using incendiary devices. Despite the murder charges, police confirmed as of Monday that no victims have died.
He is expected to make his first court appearance at 1:30 p.m. local time today. Further charges could follow as investigations progress.
Reaction from U.S. and Israeli Officials
Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous and targeted act” against the Jewish community. He pledged full cooperation with federal agencies and emphasized that hate would not be tolerated in Colorado.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also issued a statement, offering prayers for the victims and urging the U.S. to prosecute Soliman to the fullest extent of the law. He described the incident as a “vicious terror attack” targeting people solely because they were Jewish.
FBI Searches Suspect’s Colorado Home
As part of the investigation, FBI agents searched a property in El Paso County linked to Soliman. Neighbors reported confusion and concern, saying they didn’t know the residents well. The FBI has not disclosed what, if anything, was found inside the home.
The investigation is still ongoing, and federal officials are leaving no stone unturned as they piece together Soliman’s background, motives, and whether others may have been involved.