In a disturbing escalation of politically motivated violence on U.S. soil, Boulder, Colorado was rocked on June 1, 2025, by an attack on a peaceful pro-hostage demonstration that authorities are now calling a “targeted act of terror.” The suspect: Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national whose actions have triggered a nationwide debate about extremism, immigration oversight, and community safety.
A Name That Shocked a City
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old man originally from Egypt, had quietly been living in the United States under the radar. He entered the country legally in August 2022 on a B1/B2 visa — typically issued for short-term business or tourism — but overstayed after its expiration in February 2023. Since then, he had been residing in the U.S. without legal status.
Little was known publicly about Soliman before the attack. He was not on any terror watchlists, and there is currently no evidence connecting him to any known extremist organizations. Yet, in a matter of seconds, he became the central figure in one of the most violent ideological attacks Boulder has witnessed in years.
The Attack: A Peaceful Rally Turned Nightmare
The targeted event was part of a weekly demonstration held by the group “Run For Their Lives,” which advocates for the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the ongoing Middle East conflict. Held in the busy Pearl Street Mall, the gathering typically draws seniors and local community members unified by a humanitarian mission.
Eyewitnesses report that Soliman approached the group mid-afternoon, shouting slogans including “Free Palestine,” “Zionists are killers,” and “How many children have you killed?” before launching a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov-style incendiary devices directly into the crowd.
The result was chaos.
Six individuals, aged between 67 and 88, suffered burn injuries. Two remain in critical condition, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor. Emergency responders airlifted multiple victims to a burn unit in Aurora, Colorado.
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigation
The FBI quickly took the lead in the investigation, formally categorizing the incident as an “ideologically motivated terror attack.” Federal agents, along with Boulder Police, secured the area, arrested Soliman, and began collecting evidence from the scene.
According to investigators, the makeshift flamethrower was constructed using household materials, with an alarming degree of sophistication. Homemade incendiary devices recovered at the scene suggested premeditation.
Soliman remains in federal custody. Authorities are combing through his digital footprint, including online activity, contacts, and travel records, to determine whether he acted entirely alone or had support, even ideologically, from broader networks.
Community Reaction: Outrage, Fear, and Unity
The Boulder community, known for its progressive and inclusive values, has been shaken. City officials, interfaith leaders, and civil rights groups have condemned the attack.
“This was an act of hate, plain and simple,” said Rabbi Eliana Marcus of the Boulder Jewish Community Center. “It wasn’t just an attack on Jews, it was an attack on free expression, peaceful assembly, and shared humanity.”
Governor Jared Polis and Senator Michael Bennet issued joint statements affirming that Colorado will not tolerate hate-fueled violence. Security has since been increased at religious centers and ongoing demonstrations.
Broader Implications: Immigration Oversight and Radicalization
The attack has also reignited conversations about the enforcement of visa overstays and how individuals can radicalize in relative isolation. Lawmakers have called for an audit of immigration tracking systems and proposed new screening measures for foreign nationals suspected of harboring extremist beliefs.
“It’s not just about borders,” said Dr. Nina Carraway, a national security analyst at Georgetown University. “It’s about recognizing how political conflicts abroad can lead to violent expressions here at home when hate goes unchecked.”
Final Thoughts
Mohamed Sabry Soliman’s act was not just a lone outburst — it was a calculated strike designed to intimidate and divide. Yet, in its aftermath, Boulder has responded not with vengeance, but with solidarity, grief, and resolve.
As investigations continue, one thing is clear: the fight against extremism is not confined to battlefields overseas. It is here, in our cities, in our communities, and in the decisions we make about how we speak, assemble, and protect one another.
