(The Center Square) – Local and federal authorities are investigating what FBI Director Kash Patel said was a "targeted terror attack" in Boulder, Colo., Sunday in which multiple people were set on fire during an event hosted by a group that seeks the release of Israeli hostages held by the anti-Israel terrorist group Hamas.
The suspect in the attacks was arrested at the scene, authorities said. He was identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, an Egyptian national who was in the U.S. illegally after overstaying his visa. Soliman is seen in witness-recorded video from the scene without a shirt and holding clear bottles containing some sort of liquid that authorities say he used as an incendiary device.
FBI Denver's field office said he was heard yelling "Free Palestine" during the attack.
"The initial callers indicated that there was a man with a weapon and that people were being set on fire," Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said during a Sunday afternnoon news conference. There were at least eight victims, all aged 52 or older.
Redfearn said authorities do not think there was a second attacker but he could not say definitively without further investigation.
Redfearn said the attack occurred during a pro-Israel demonstration on Pearl Street near the county courthouse but authorities were still investigating if it was antisemitic in nature. The event was run by "Run for Their Lives," a peaceful organization that holds events seeking the release of Israeli hostages held since the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack by Hamas in Israel.
Witnesses told police that the suspect threw Molotov-style cocktails and wielded a makeshift flamethrower.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis called the attack a "heinous act of terror" in a post on X.
"I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror," Polis wrote. "Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable. While details emerge, the state works with local and federal law enforcement to support this investigation."
This is a developing story.
Dan McCaleb is the executive editor of The Center Square. He welcomes your comments. Contact Dan at dmccaleb@thecentersquare.com.
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