What happened in Colorado? Boulder 'terror attack' leaves multiple people injured

A Sunday afternoon event intended to promote solidarity for Israeli hostages turned into a violent scene in Boulder, Colorado, when a man allegedly attacked participants with incendiary devices at the city's iconic Pearl Street Mall, injuring six individuals.

Authorities say 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman is in custody following what the FBI has labeled a "targeted act of violence."

The suspect reportedly threw Molotov cocktails and used a makeshift flamethrower to ignite the crowd during a peaceful walk organized by Run For Their Lives, a group that gathers weekly to raise awareness for the hostages held in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

According to FBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Michalek, Soliman was heard shouting "Free Palestine" and "End Zionist!" during the attack. Michalek confirmed the assault is being investigated as a domestic terrorism case, with both local and federal agencies, including the National Counterterrorism Center, now involved.

The event had drawn roughly 30 participants, who were walking the Pearl Street Mall and had stopped outside the Boulder County Courthouse when the attack began around 1:26 p.m. local time. One victim remains in critical condition, with others suffering various degrees of burns.

Eyewitnesses recall chaos and fear after firebombs were thrown

The injured ranged in age from 67 to 88, and the aftermath was described as harrowing by those on the scene. Ed Victor, one of the marchers, described how quickly the incident unfolded.

"So we stood up, lined up in front of the old Boulder courthouse, and I was actually on the far west side" he said. And there was somebody there that I didn't even notice, although he was making a lot of noise...

"All of a sudden, I felt the heat. It was a Molotov cocktail equivalent, a gas bomb in a glass jar, thrown. Av saw it, a big flame as high as a tree, and all I saw was someone on fire."

Victor and others rushed to help extinguish the flames. A fellow marcher with medical training aided one of the victims while Victor comforted her husband. Witnesses said water was brought from nearby businesses in an effort to cool the burns as emergency services arrived.

Street performer Peter Irish described arriving moments later: "It was like minutes after. I came out, it was chaos, people were writhing on the ground. It was traumatic to watch, to be honest with you. It was chaos."

Emergency responders transported two victims by helicopter to the UCHealth burn unit, while four others were taken to Boulder Community Hospital. As of 7 p.m., all six remained hospitalized, according to Police Chief Stephen Redfearn.

In response, authorities evacuated three blocks of Pearl Street and secured a vehicle connected to Soliman, which was located in the area. Officials have not released further details about potential explosives or additional threats.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed the agency is leading the investigation and labeled the attack as a terrorist act. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated via social media that federal counterterrorism teams were coordinating with Boulder law enforcement.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the violence, calling it a "heinous act of terror." He pledged for those affected and emphasized that "hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable."

In a statement, Boulder's Jewish community expressed its heartbreak and ongoing concern: "We are saddened and heartbroken to learn that an incendiary device was thrown at walkers at the Run for Their Lives walk on Pearl Street...

"Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured."

Attorney General Phil Weiser echoed those sentiments, denouncing the attack as a hate crime.

"People may have differing views about world events and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but violence is never the answer to settling differences," he said.

"These violent acts-which are becoming more frequent, brazen, and closer to home-must stop and those who commit these horrific acts must be fully held to ."

As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging anyone with video or information from the area to come forward. Meanwhile, the Boulder community continues to grapple with the trauma inflicted on what was meant to be a peaceful display of unity.