Boulder, Colorado — A confrontation during a demonstration supporting Israeli hostages held by Hamas turned violent on Sunday, leading to serious injuries for several participants. Authorities identified the suspect as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, who may face multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no fatalities had been reported following the incident.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene in front of the historic Boulder County Courthouse, where a makeshift flamethrower was allegedly used against demonstrators. Emergency responders hospitalized eight individuals, aged 52 to 88, with burns and other injuries. Soliman was taken into custody shortly after the attack, which has been labeled as a possible act of terrorism by law enforcement agencies.
Authorities noted that Soliman, an Egyptian national, is in the United States illegally after overstaying his tourist visa. This revelation has drawn attention from government officials, with some labeling the incident a “terror attack.” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller criticized the Biden Administration for granting him a work permit after his visa overstay.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, whose family has personal ties to historical persecution, described the attack as having the qualities of a hate crime aimed at a specific group. He pledged his office’s full support for local prosecutors as they prepare to pursue any necessary charges. Concurrently, the FBI is investigating the incident as a targeted act of violence.
The demonstration, organized by the group Run for Their Lives — Boulder, aimed to raise awareness about more than 250 hostages taken during Hamas’ recent assaults. Twenty-three hostages are believed to still be alive, and the group has maintained a steady presence at protests since the attacks began on October 7.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn confirmed that the suspect suffered minor injuries during the arrest and emphasized the investigation’s preliminary nature. While some witnesses speculated on the motives behind Soliman’s actions, the police stressed that it is too early to draw conclusions about his intentions or ideologies.
Eyewitness accounts outlined harrowing scenes from the attack, with one bystander recalling how victims were desperately trying to extinguish flames engulfing their clothes. A nearby resident, Brooke Coffman, described rushing to the scene and calling 911 after witnessing the horror unfold.
As local Jewish organizations and congregations released a statement reacting to the incident, they expressed solidarity with the victims and called for community resilience. The statement reflected the emotional toll such violence inflicts on a community already grappling with heightened tensions.
The Boulder community is now left to navigate the aftermath of this attack, with law enforcement officials urging continued vigilance as investigations proceed. With Soliman due in court shortly, the community watches closely, seeking answers and justice in the wake of this unsettling act.