Boulder’s Pearl Street Nightmare: The Flamethrower Attack and Its Ripple Effects

Introduction: A Quiet Rally Turned Violent

On June 1, 2025, Boulder, Colorado’s vibrant Pearl Street Mall became the scene of a shocking act of violence. A 45-year-old man, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly attacked a group of peaceful demonstrators with a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails, injuring eight people, including a Holocaust survivor. Yelling “Free Palestine” and “End Zionists,” Soliman targeted a weekly gathering advocating for Israeli hostages in Gaza. The FBI has labeled this a “targeted terror attack” and a federal hate crime, sparking debates about ideological violence, antisemitism, and public safety. This article explores the details of the incident, its broader implications, and what it means for communities grappling with rising tensions.

The Incident: Chaos on Pearl Street

At around 1:26 p.m. on a sunny Sunday, the volunteer group “Run For Their Lives” was concluding its weekly march on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, a bustling pedestrian area known for its shops and street performers. The group, active since late 2023, raises awareness for Israeli hostages held by Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. As the group gathered near the Boulder County Courthouse, Soliman approached, shirtless, wielding a garden sprayer filled with gasoline and a lighter—described by authorities as a “makeshift flamethrower.” He threw two Molotov cocktails and sprayed flames, setting patches of grass and several victims ablaze.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene: smoke filled the air, people screamed, and bystanders rushed to pour water on burning victims. Eight people, four men and four women aged 52 to 88, were injured, with two airlifted to a Denver burn unit. One victim, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, was among the wounded, adding a poignant layer to the tragedy. Soliman, also injured, was arrested without resistance and booked into Boulder County Jail. The FBI found 16 additional unlit Molotov cocktails near the scene, along with papers in his car referencing “Israel,” “Palestine,” and “USAID.”

The Suspect: Mohamed Sabry Soliman

Soliman, an Egyptian national, entered the U.S. in August 2022 on a B2 visa that expired in February 2023. He applied for asylum in September 2022, and his work visa, valid until March 2025, was confirmed by his former employer, Veros Health. According to an FBI affidavit, Soliman confessed to planning the attack for a year, specifically targeting what he called a “Zionist group.” He admitted to researching Molotov cocktails on YouTube and purchasing materials like glass wine carafes and gasoline. His statements to police, including a chilling claim that he would “do it again,” underscore the ideological motivation behind the attack.

Investigation and Charges

The FBI, led by Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek, is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism and a federal hate crime. Soliman faces multiple felony counts, including a hate crime charge filed by the Justice Department on June 2, 2025. The attack’s timing, coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, and its targeting of a pro-Israel group have led authorities to classify it as ideologically motivated violence. The Justice Department, through Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, condemned the attack as part of a “vile” wave of antisemitic violence, referencing a May 22, 2025, shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.

Boulder Police and the FBI are conducting ongoing searches, including in El Paso County, where Soliman’s vehicle was found. The simplicity of his weapons—household items like a garden sprayer and gasoline—has raised concerns about the difficulty of detecting such threats, as noted by former FBI agent Bobby Chacon.

Community Impact and Official Responses

The attack has left Boulder’s tight-knit community reeling. Rachel Amaru, a leader of “Run For Their Lives,” called it a “blatant act of antisemitism,” emphasizing the group’s peaceful history. Rabbi Israel Wilhelm, Chabad director at the University of Colorado Boulder, highlighted the Holocaust survivor’s injuries, describing her as a “very loving person.” Colorado officials, including Governor Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, and Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, condemned the attack, with Polis calling hate-filled acts “unacceptable.” U.S. Representative Joe Neguse expressed prayers for the victims and is monitoring the investigation.

Nationally, the incident prompted heightened security at Jewish sites, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announcing extra patrols and an emergency meeting ahead of Shavuot. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled it a “vile, antisemitic act of terror.” President Donald Trump vowed to prosecute Soliman “to the fullest extent of the law,” while the Trump administration highlighted his status as an “illegal alien,” fueling immigration debates.

A Broader Context: Rising Tensions

The Boulder attack is part of a disturbing trend of antisemitic violence in the U.S., with the Anti-Defamation League reporting a surge since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated in 2023. The Washington, D.C., shooting and an arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence underscore this wave. The phrase “Free Palestine,” a common rallying cry in protests, has been weaponized in these violent acts, complicating discussions about free speech and activism.

Witness Lynn Segal, a Jewish woman who supports Palestine, expressed fear of being misjudged for wearing a pro-Palestine shirt while trying to help victims. Her experience highlights the polarized climate, where ideological lines blur with violent outcomes. The attack also reignites debates about immigration, with some tying Soliman’s visa status to national security concerns, while others warn against scapegoating immigrants.

Public Safety and Prevention

The ease of assembling Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower underscores challenges in preventing lone-wolf attacks. Former FBI agent Chacon noted that such devices, made from everyday items, rarely trigger law enforcement alerts. Proposals to counter such threats include bolstering FBI intelligence, increasing nonprofit security grants, and enhancing community safety measures. However, balancing these with civil liberties remains contentious.

Looking Ahead

As Soliman awaits his court appearance, Boulder and the nation grapple with healing and prevention. The attack has shaken a community known for its progressive values, raising questions about how to address ideological extremism without stifling free expression. The FBI’s ongoing investigation will likely clarify whether Soliman acted alone or had broader connections, but the incident already serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of public safety in polarized times.

Conclusion: A Community on Edge

The Pearl Street Mall attack is more than a local tragedy—it’s a reflection of global conflicts playing out on American soil. The targeting of a peaceful rally, the severe injuries, and the ideological undertones demand a reckoning with how we address hate, violence, and division. As Boulder mourns and investigates, the nation must confront the rising tide of antisemitism and the challenge of ensuring safety without sacrificing freedom.

Thought Questions for Readers:

1. How can law enforcement better detect and prevent lone-wolf attacks using improvised weapons without infringing on personal freedoms?

2. What steps can communities take to foster dialogue on contentious issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict while preventing violence?

3. How should society balance the right to protest with the need to condemn acts of violence tied to ideological slogans?