8 people injured in attack on group on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder
Share this @internewscast.com

Witnesses reported the suspect used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd, the FBI said.

BOULDER, Colo. — A suspect has been detained following an incident where eight individuals were harmed during an event to raise awareness about Israeli hostages on Sunday afternoon at the Pearl Street Mall, according to Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn.

The incident took place at approximately 1:30 p.m. near the historic courthouse located at 1235 Pearl Street. Initially, authorities reported that six people had been transported to hospitals. However, on Sunday night, Boulder police updated this information, confirming a total of eight victims—comprising four women and four men, aged between 52 and 88.

Miri Kornfeld, a coordinator with a group organizing weekly walks to highlight the plight of Israeli hostages, recounted to 9NEWS that the group was walking along Pearl Street that afternoon. Upon reaching the courthouse, they encountered a man who was waiting with bottles, Kornfeld explained. The man proceeded to throw the bottles, causing burns to several individuals, including a woman who suffered severe burns and was forced to roll on the ground to extinguish the flames. 

One of the victims is a Holocaust survivor, a friend told 9NEWS. 

FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said witnesses reported the suspect used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd. He was heard yelling “Free Palestine” during the attack, Michalek said. 

> Content warning: This video may be difficult for some people to watch. 

Redfearn said officers “immediately ran into a chaotic situation where a man was throwing Molotov cocktails and using other devices to hurt people.” People on the scene pointed out the suspect to officers, Redfearn said, and he was taken into custody without incident. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, Redfearn said. 

The suspect has been identified as Mohamed Soliman, 45. 

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora said they received three patients from the attack. Other patients were taken to Boulder Community Hospital.

“The FBI is processing the crime scene in the subject vehicle and interviewing key witnesses,” Michalek said in a news conference at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. 

Evacuation area

Police initially evacuated the area bordered by Broadway to the west, Pine Street to the north, 16th Street to the east, and Walnut Street to the south.  A spokesperson for the Boulder Police Department said all areas reopened around 1:30 a.m. 

Redfearn said the historic courthouse, which houses county offices, will be closed Monday as the investigation continues.

FBI investigating ‘targeted terror attack’

The FBI is investigating the attack, according to a social media post from agency director Kash Patel. 

“We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available,” Patel said in the post.

“As a result of these preliminary facts, it is clear that this is a targeted act of violence, and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism,” Michalek said. “Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country. This is an example of how perpetrators of violence continue to threaten communities across our nation.”

The FBI is asking anyone who has video, social media posts or other recording of the attack to upload their media to fbi.gov/boulderattack. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Colorado leaders react

“As the Jewish community reels from the recent antisemitic murders in Washington, D.C., it is unfathomable that the community is facing another antisemitic attack here in Boulder, on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “Several individuals were brutally attacked while peacefully drawing attention to the plight of hostages who have been held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 604 days. Hate is unacceptable in our Colorado for all, and I condemn this act of terror.”

“My thoughts are with those injured and impacted by today’s attack against a group that meets weekly on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall to call for the release of the hostages in Gaza,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement. 

“People may have differing views about world events and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but violence is never the answer to settling differences,” Weiser said. “Hate has no place in Colorado. We all have the right to peaceably assemble and the freedom to speak our views. But 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 account.” 

Democratic Colorado U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse called the attack “heinous” in a statement released by his office Sunday.

“I am horrified by the heinous act of terror that took place in downtown Boulder this afternoon, and my wife Andrea and I are praying for the victims,” Neguse said. “Tonight, as many prepare to mark the Shavuot holiday, our Jewish community has been subjected to yet another brutal and horrific act of violence. The scourge of antisemitism has metastasized across our country, and we must do more — now — to stop this hatred and violence. We stand with the Jewish community — today and always — and will be united in supporting the victims and their families, and to redoubling our efforts to stop antisemitism.” 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Wes Streeting speaking in the House of Commons.

Junior Doctors Earning Over £90,000 Annually Join Strikes in Pursuit of 29% Pay Increase

NEARLY 2,000 junior doctors earned over £90,000 in one year, the Sun…
This bad habit can make you gain weight — even after you stop

This Habit Can Cause Weight Gain, Even After You Quit

Talk about a scale fail.  New research suggests that a common dieting…
Russia says NATO threatens WWIII in latest deterrence plan that could take down Kaliningrad ‘faster than ever’

Russia claims NATO’s new deterrence plan poses a risk of sparking World War III and could lead to a swift takeover of Kaliningrad.

On Friday, Russian authorities reacted strongly to NATO’s newly disclosed deterrence strategy,…
Thousands of fire ants are forming rafts out of their own bodies

Countless fire ants create floating rafts using their own bodies

This army is in formation. Thousands of fire ants have been observed…
Headshot of Andy Byron.

Father Named Andy Byron Harassed with Abusive Messages Due to Mistaken Identity as Tech CEO in Coldplay Kiss Cam Controversy

A MAN with the same name as “cheating” CEO Andy Byron had…
Crowd at Tomorrowland electronic music festival with damaged main stage being dismantled.

35-Year-Old Woman Passes Away after Fire Destroys Tomorrowland’s Main Stage, Causing Festival Delays

A WOMAN has died at Tomorrowland hours after the festival opened following…
WNBA signature sneakers shine at All-Star weekend

WNBA Signature Sneakers Take the Spotlight at All-Star Weekend

Over the last three years, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson…
Free things to do today in Chicago: Park district hosting 13th annual Night Out in the Parks | LIST

Discover Free Activities in Chicago Today: 13th Annual Night Out in the Parks Hosted by Park District | GUIDE

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Park District is hosting the city’s 13th…
Florida attorney general identifies wrongful charges under halted immigration law

Florida Attorney General Discovers Erroneous Charges Linked to Suspended Immigration Law

In late May, St. Johns County deputies arrested two men more than…
Chris Martin of Coldplay performing at the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show.

Everything You Need to Know About the CEO ‘Affair’ Scandal Shaking the Internet, From His Wife’s Revealing Actions to MERCH

During a Coldplay concert, what seemed like a playful moment led to…
In-N-Out heiress Lynsi Snyder reveals she's moving family out of California as company expands east

In-N-Out Heiress Lynsi Snyder Announces Move Out of California as Business Expands Eastward

In-N-Out of here! Billionaire Lynsi Snyder, heir to the In-N-Out Burger fortune,…
The solar tax credit is ending: What that means for homeowners

What Homeowners Need to Know Before the Solar Tax Credit Ends

(NerdWallet) – President Donald Trump’s signing of the “big, beautiful bill” on…