Authorities in Boulder, Colorado, have identified 34-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, as the suspect in a violent attack that occurred during a rally advocating for the release of Israeli hostages. The incident took place on June 1, 2025, during the “Run for Their Lives” event, which was organized to raise awareness and support for the ongoing crisis of Israeli hostages being held by militant groups. The attack, which left 12 individuals injured, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, has drawn widespread attention, both for the brutality of the assault and the possible motivations behind it.
The suspect, Mohamed Soliman, is facing serious charges at both the state and federal levels. He has been charged with 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder, along with a federal hate crime charge. Law enforcement officials are treating the attack as a hate crime, with Soliman reportedly shouting “Free Palestine” during the incident. This statement, coupled with the nature of the attack, has led investigators to believe that the assault may have been politically motivated.
Soliman’s attack involved the use of a makeshift flamethrower and firebombs, weapons that are particularly dangerous due to their unpredictability and potential to cause widespread harm. The 12 injured victims are believed to have sustained varying degrees of burns and injuries, with the most severely injured being an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor who was attending the rally. The survivor, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly in stable condition after receiving immediate medical treatment.
The “Run for Their Lives” rally, which was meant to be a peaceful demonstration, quickly turned into a scene of chaos and terror as Soliman allegedly began his attack. Eyewitnesses described seeing him approach the crowd with a homemade flamethrower, which he used to ignite flames, and then throwing firebombs into the crowd. The immediate response from rally-goers, as well as law enforcement, helped prevent further injuries and potentially saved lives. Soliman was quickly apprehended at the scene and taken into custody.
Authorities revealed that Soliman had overstayed his non-immigrant visa, which had expired. He had been granted a work permit that was valid through March 2025, but the expiration of his visa raises additional questions about his status in the U.S. and his motivations for being at the rally. The FBI and other federal agencies are assisting local law enforcement with the investigation into Soliman’s background and his possible affiliations.
The nature of the attack has sparked a wider conversation on both the rise of political violence and the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While many of those attending the rally were focused on the humanitarian issue of the hostages, Soliman’s actions appear to be connected to the broader geopolitical and ideological struggles that have played out in the region for decades.
Boulder residents have expressed shock and disbelief at the violence that took place in their community. Local leaders, including Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver, condemned the attack, calling it “an unconscionable act of violence that has no place in our society.” Mayor Weaver further stated, “We stand in solidarity with all victims of violence, regardless of their background or beliefs. Boulder is a community built on respect and tolerance, and we will not let acts of hatred divide us.”
The Boulder Police Department and the FBI are continuing their investigation into Soliman’s motives, and they have indicated that additional charges may be filed as more information is uncovered. Investigators are also working to determine whether Soliman had any connections to extremist groups or if this was an isolated incident fueled by his personal beliefs.
The broader context of the attack is also significant. The Israel-Palestine conflict continues to be a deeply polarizing issue, with strong emotions on both sides of the debate. The rally in Boulder, focused on securing the release of Israeli hostages, was meant to bring attention to the plight of those being held captive. However, the violent turn of events highlights the potential dangers of political demonstrations in a charged environment where tensions surrounding international conflicts can escalate quickly.
This attack has raised questions about security at public rallies, especially those centered around volatile political or geopolitical issues. Law enforcement agencies are reviewing their procedures for securing such events and preventing violence. The incident in Boulder is likely to fuel further debates over the security measures necessary to protect participants in future protests and demonstrations.
As the investigation continues, many are left grappling with the impact of the attack on the local community and the broader discourse surrounding political violence. Authorities have promised to pursue the case with all available resources, and Soliman’s trial will likely serve as a focal point for discussions about hate crimes, political violence, and the relationship between international conflicts and domestic extremism.