Molotov Terror Attack on Jewish Hostage Solidarity March in Boulder Leaves Six Injured, FBI Investigating as Terrorism
by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – A peaceful Jewish gathering to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza turned into a scene of horror Sunday afternoon when a man shouting antisemitic slogans hurled incendiary devices into a crowd of elderly participants, injuring six—at least one critically. Authorities are investigating the incident as a terrorist attack.
The assailant, identified by the FBI as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” and “End Zionists” as he launched what officials described as Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower into the group gathered for the 80th weekly Run for Their Lives event outside the Boulder County Courthouse around 1:30 p.m. Soliman was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody.
Witnesses reported scenes of chaos and terror, with multiple bystanders rushing to assist victims as firebombs exploded among the crowd. Videos circulating on social media show people screaming, smoke rising from the courthouse lawn, and a woman lying on the ground as others tried to extinguish the flames on her body.
“This was a targeted act of violence,” said Mark Michalek, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Denver field office. “We are investigating this as terrorism—ideologically motivated violence targeting the Jewish community.”
The six victims, aged 67 to 88, were participating in the weekly event organized by Run for Their Lives, which hosts marches across the U.S. advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 massacre. Four victims were transported to Boulder Community Health, while two with severe burns were airlifted to the University of Colorado burn unit in Aurora. Soliman was also reportedly injured in the attack.
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino emphasized the seriousness of the investigation and rebuked media outlets that downplayed the incident. “This was terrorism. The attacker screamed anti-Israel slogans while throwing firebombs at Jewish seniors. We will not equivocate on calling it what it is.”
Local officials echoed those concerns. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn described the incident as a “heinous act” and vowed to protect any community being targeted. “If this was a hate-driven attack—and evidence points that way—we will not only prosecute the individual responsible but take all measures to protect our residents,” he said.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who is Jewish, condemned the attack in a strongly worded statement. “It is unfathomable that the Jewish community is once again under attack—this time in Boulder—on the eve of Shavuot. We must treat this for what it is: terrorism. My prayers are with the victims and their families.”
The Run for Their Lives organization issued a statement confirming the Boulder march had been ongoing weekly since the October 7 attack by Hamas. “Our mission is to stand for humanity, not protest politics,” the group said. “To be attacked while calling for the release of hostages is beyond tragic—it’s an assault on compassion itself.”
Eric Fingerhut, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, called the incident “part of a growing wave of domestic terrorism targeting Jews.” He urged President Trump and Congress to expand funding for synagogue and community center security.
This attack comes just 10 days after two Israeli embassy staffers were murdered at a pro-Palestinian rally in Washington, D.C., and a firebomb was thrown at the home of Pennsylvania’s Jewish governor, Josh Shapiro.
Eyewitnesses described the Boulder scene as surreal and nightmarish. “There were flames and the smell of burning flesh,” said Brandon Hoover, who had been walking nearby with his girlfriend. “We thought we were just going for a stroll down Pearl Street—then everything changed.”
Johanna Schmidt, whose father was burned in the attack, called the experience “horrific and shocking.” She added, “This is not an isolated event. Our sense of safety is being steadily eroded.”
Crime scene tape, broken glass, and scorched flags littered the Pearl Street Mall Sunday evening as investigators cordoned off several blocks for a full investigation. Officials also confirmed they are examining a “vehicle of interest” believed to be linked to the suspect.
As of late Sunday, the FBI, Boulder police, and federal counterterrorism agencies remained on site. FBI Director Kash Patel called it a “targeted terror attack” and pledged a thorough investigation.
For Boulder’s Jewish community, Shavuot will be marked not with celebration but with grief and resilience. As one shaken young woman at the scene said defiantly, “(Jews) can’t afford to be scared. I’ll be back next week with an even bigger flag.”
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