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By Chloe Mayer
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Horrifying videos have revealed the scene after a man is alleged to have thrown a makeshift incendiary device into a crowd gathered in solidarity with Israeli hostages in Colorado on Sunday.
The 45-year-old suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly shouted "Free Palestine" as he threw Molotov cocktails at the peaceful protest in Boulder, which takes place each week to remember the hostages still being held captive by Hamas.
Soliman was filmed shirtless and allegedly holding makeshift flame-throwers in each hand shortly before he was arrested at the scene on Pearl Street on Sunday. Videos also show the chaos following the incident as bystanders tried to help the burn victims.
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Newsweek has contacted Boulder Police for comment outside of regular working hours.
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Why It Matters
The incident comes amid heightened tensions over Israel's conflict with Hamas. FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said on Sunday: "It is clear that this is a targeted act of violence and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism."
It also comes after two Israeli embassy staff members were killed in a shooting in Washington D.C. in May.
What To Know
Four women and four men, aged between 52 and 88, were wounded and hospitalized in Sunday's attack, according to Boulder Police.
The 88-year-old victim is a female Holocaust survivor who fled to the U.S. for safety, according to CBS Colorado.
The group had gathered in solidarity with Israeli hostages in a "regularly scheduled, weekly peaceful event," Boulder Police said. The event was organized by Run for Their Lives, a group that raises awareness about those still being held captive in Gaza.
Footage of the incident shows the chaos following the attack, with bystanders tending to the victims.
One account on X, formerly Twitter, shared videos and photos of the scene, showing smoke rising as a fire burns. The camera zooms in on one person who can be seen lying on the ground, while others attempt to beat out the flames.
Another clip of the incident, shows scorch marks on the ground with flames still flickering.
Witnesses can be heard warning others to stay back, and that the suspect was "spraying alcohol" and "making Molotov cocktails."
What People Are Saying
FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said: "We stand in full solidarity with those targeted. And we will continue to ensure that justice is pursued swiftly, support is provided to victims and their communities, and preventative action is taken to protect everyone's safety."
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn added: "Boulder has recovered from acts of violence before and we will again recover. I urge this community to come together. Now is not the time to be divisive."
City of Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett said: "My heart goes out to the victims, their families, their loved ones and all who were impacted by [Sunday's] tragic incident. As a representative of the people of Boulder, I want to state clearly, violence and hatred have no place in our community. We are strongest when we choose unity over division and peace over harm."
City of Boulder City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde added: "I am heartbroken by the events that took place in downtown Boulder... I say strongly and unequivocally that violence and hatred have no place in our community. I am keeping those who were injured and everyone else impacted by this horrible crime close to my heart. I also want to thank our excellent police and fire-rescue responders as well as all the state and federal partners who are working tirelessly to ensure justice in this case."
What Happens Next
The victims remain in hospital where they are being treated for their injuries.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident and further updates are expected on Monday.
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