FBI now confirms a pro-Palestinian activist armed with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower deliberately targeted Jewish families and children during a peaceful rally in Boulder, Colorado, while shouting “Free Palestine.”
Key Takeaways
- An attacker identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman attacked pro-Israel protesters in Boulder with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower, injuring six people including children.
- The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of ideologically motivated terrorism, as the suspect reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” and “This will end when Palestine is free.”
- The attack occurred during a peaceful event highlighting Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.
- The violent incident followed widespread circulation of false media reports about Israeli soldiers allegedly attacking Gazans.
- A pro-Hamas protester was captured on video blaming the victims for “antagonizing” the attacker.
Terrorist Attack Targets Jewish Families in Colorado
In a disturbing escalation of anti-Israel violence on American soil, six people were injured Sunday when a man attacked a peaceful gathering of Israel supporters in Boulder, Colorado with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower. The FBI has confirmed they are investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. The attack specifically targeted families who had gathered at a pedestrian mall for an event highlighting the plight of Israeli hostages still being held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Among the victims were children who had come with their families to participate in the memorial walk.
The suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was quickly taken into custody by local police following the attack. Witnesses reported that Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” while deploying his weapons against the crowd. Law enforcement officials have not yet announced formal charges, but have made it clear they intend to hold the perpetrator fully accountable for what appears to be a premeditated assault on American citizens exercising their First Amendment rights.
“This act of terror is being investigated as an act of ideologically motivated violence based on the early information, the evidence, and witness accounts. We will speak clearly on these incidents when the facts warrant it,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Media Misinformation Fuels Violence
The timing of this attack raises serious concerns about the responsibility of mainstream media outlets in fueling anti-Israel sentiment. Just hours before the Boulder attack, several major news organizations had spread what was later revealed to be completely false reports claiming Israeli soldiers had attacked innocent Gazans. This pattern of uncritically spreading anti-Israel propaganda without verification has created an increasingly dangerous environment for Jewish Americans and Israel supporters across the country. The Boulder attack represents a frightening manifestation of how media misinformation can translate into real-world violence.
Even more shocking than the attack itself was the reaction from some pro-Hamas sympathizers at the scene. Video evidence shows a pro-Hamas protester blaming the victims themselves, claiming they “caused this” by “antagonizing” the attacker. This victim-blaming narrative mirrors the broader apologetics often employed by anti-Israel activists when confronted with Hamas terrorism against Israeli civilians. The suggestion that peaceful protesters somehow deserved a violent attack for simply advocating for hostages’ release demonstrates the moral bankruptcy at the heart of much anti-Israel activism.
“This will end when Palestine is free,” declared the attacker as reported by witnesses at the scene.
Growing Pattern of Anti-Israel Terrorism
The Boulder attack represents a disturbing escalation in what has become a global pattern of violence against Jewish people and Israel supporters. The concept of a “global intifada” has been openly promoted on American college campuses and in street protests, calling for worldwide violence against Israel and its supporters. This rhetoric has now materialized in a direct terrorist attack on American soil. Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack, stating that such hate-filled acts are unacceptable in our society, but more decisive action from all levels of government is clearly needed.
Witnesses described moments of terror as the attack unfolded. “He’s right there. He’s throwing Molotov cocktails,” one witness was heard shouting during the chaos. The injured victims suffered burns when Soliman allegedly deployed what authorities have described as a makeshift flamethrower along with throwing incendiary devices. The Boulder Police Chief has refrained from speculating on the motive, despite the clear evidence, noting only the peaceful nature of the gathering that was targeted. This attack comes just four years after another serious shooting incident in Boulder, highlighting the community’s unfortunate familiarity with violent extremism.
President Trump has repeatedly warned about the dangers of importing foreign conflicts onto American soil through failed immigration policies and weak enforcement of our borders. This incident serves as yet another stark reminder of how the failure to properly vet those entering our country can lead to devastating consequences for American citizens. As the investigation continues, questions will certainly be raised about Soliman’s immigration status and whether more could have been done to prevent this act of terrorism from occurring on American streets.
