FBI agents raided the El Paso County home of an Egyptian national accused of using a homemade flamethrower to attack elderly demonstrators supporting Israeli hostages at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall.

At a Glance

• Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, attacked a group with a makeshift flamethrower while shouting “Free Palestine,” injuring eight people aged 52-88
• Soliman is an Egyptian national who entered the US in 2022 on a non-immigrant visa that expired in 2023
• The FBI is investigating the incident as terrorism and ideologically motivated violence
• The attack occurred during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and targeted people raising awareness for Israeli hostages
• Among the injured was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor

Terror Attack in Boulder

Federal agents executed a raid on the home of 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman in El Paso County, Colorado, following a terror attack at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall. The FBI’s Denver office confirmed the operation was directly linked to the violent incident. Soliman allegedly attacked a group of predominantly elderly demonstrators supporting Israeli hostages with a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, injuring eight people ranging in age from 52 to 88.

Witnesses reported that Soliman waited for the group at a scheduled stop on their awareness walk before unleashing his attack while shouting “Free Palestine.” Video footage captured the suspect throwing bottles of clear liquid used as incendiary devices, with some reports indicating he accidentally set himself on fire during the assault. Despite his injuries, Soliman was arrested without resistance and transported to a hospital for treatment.

Immigration Status and Investigation

Authorities identified Soliman as an Egyptian national who entered California in 2022 on a non-immigrant visa that expired in 2023. He had been living in Colorado Springs since then, with reports suggesting he received a work permit after his visa expired. The Department of Homeland Security has joined the FBI in investigating the attack, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirming their collaboration on what officials are classifying as a terrorist incident.

Federal agents were seen collecting evidence from Soliman’s residence as part of their ongoing investigation into his background, possible connections to extremist groups, and the planning that went into the attack. The FBI described the incident as “ideologically motivated violence,” highlighting the growing concern over domestic terrorism linked to international conflicts.

FBI: Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, an Egyptian national, was arrested for a terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. He allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at a pro-Israel rally, injuring six, while shouting "Free Palestine." He overstayed a U.S. visa from 2022. FBI is investigating. https://t.co/KxwVBlCHn8 pic.twitter.com/rVuihEkWOM

— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) June 2, 2025

Broader Impact and Responses

The Boulder attack is the second recent US incident linked to the Gaza conflict, following a fatal shooting in Washington DC. In response to the attack, the New York Police Department increased security presence at religious sites during Shavuot celebrations. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser suggested the attack constituted a hate crime while emphasizing that violence is never an appropriate response to political disagreements.

“This attack was aimed against peaceful people who wished to express their solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas, simply because they were Jews,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement condemning the violence.

The incident has intensified concerns about rising antisemitic violence in the United States amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Reports that one of the victims was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor have further highlighted the disturbing nature of the attack. Israel’s foreign minister and ambassador to the UN have joined the chorus of voices condemning the violence, calling for increased measures to combat antisemitism in America and worldwide.

“The FBI is at a location in El Paso County, CO, conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity related to the attack on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder,” the FBI’s Denver office posted on X late Sunday night.

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