Monday, June 2, 2025 - Federal and local officials have confirmed that eight people were injured — one critically — after a violent attack targeting a peaceful gathering for the weekly Run for Their Lives march in downtown Boulder.
The FBI has identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mohamed
Sabry Soliman of El Paso County and is investigating the incident as an act of
terrorism.
“This is a
targeted act of violence,” said Mark Michalek, FBI Denver’s special agent in
charge. “The FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism.”
The Run for Their Lives event is held weekly to raise
awareness for hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Witnesses reported that during
the gathering, the suspect used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an
incendiary device into the crowd, while shouting “Free Palestine.”
The victims — four women and four men, ranging in age from
52 to 88 — sustained various injuries. Several were taken to Boulder Community
Health, while at least two were airlifted to a burn unit in the Denver metro
area. One victim is reportedly in critical condition. The victims' names have
not yet been released.
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn described the scene as
chaotic. “When this call came out, our officers rushed to the area and
immediately encountered a man throwing Molotov cocktails and using other
devices to hurt people,” he said. Officers took the suspect into custody and
began rendering aid. Redfearn praised the swift response of the police, fire
department, and EMS teams.
As of Sunday evening, multiple city blocks remained closed
off as investigators continued to clear the area for any additional devices.
“We want to be reasonably sure it’s safe before allowing access again,”
Redfearn stated.
The Boulder County Courthouse will be closed, and law
enforcement will increase their presence at public events in the coming days to
reassure the community. Authorities emphasized the importance of reporting any
suspicious behavior to 911. “We do not believe that there is an additional
suspect at large,” Redfearn added. “We’re fairly confident we have the lone
suspect in custody.”
The attack occurred as the Jewish community prepared to
observe Shavuot, a holiday marked by prayer and community gatherings. Most of
the victims are believed to be members of a local synagogue.
Rep. Joe Neguse condemned the violence, calling it “a
heinous act of terror,” and pointed to the broader issue of growing
antisemitism. “We must do more — now — to stop this hatred and violence.”
Mayor Aaron Brockett expressed sadness and outrage over the
attack. “Violence and hatred have no place here. Attacks like these seek to
divide us, but Boulder will stand strong together.”
State and local leaders echoed those sentiments. Sen. Judy
Amabile called for an end to divisive rhetoric and reaffirmed a commitment to
peace and safety. Rep. Junie Joseph described the attack as “an assault on the
very values of inclusion, freedom, and humanity.” State Rep. Lesley Smith noted
the deep emotional toll such events have on the community.
Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said his
office is coordinating with federal prosecutors to determine appropriate
charges. “We are fully united in making sure the attacker is held fully
accountable.”
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