8 People Burned, Suspect in Custody After Attack with ‘Makeshift Flamethrower’ at Israeli Hostage Rally in Colorado

An attack at a mall in Colorado involving a makeshift flamethrower has left eight people injured. 

In a news release, Boulder Police said the attack — aimed at a “group of individuals” — took place at the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, June 1.

“Witnesses reported that the suspect used a makeshift flame thrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd,” the release read. “The suspect was also heard to yell ‘Free Palestine’ during the attack.”

“The individuals were walking in a regularly scheduled, weekly peaceful event,” the release continued, with CBS News reporting that those injured were taking part in a march in support of Israeli hostages, citing an FBI official.

The eight injured were taken to Denver metro hospitals. The victims include four men and four women, aged between 52 and 88, per the release.

“The Boulder Police Department notified the FBI and requested their assistance within minutes of the attack and are grateful for our partnership and their assistance,” the release added.

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According to CBS News, citing an FBI official, the suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned multiple victims. 

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The suspect, who is now in custody, has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, of El Paso County. “He was taken to the hospital to be medically evaluated before being booked in the Boulder County Jail on multiple charges,” per the release.

The FBI is also investigating the attack. In a post on X, the agency said they were investigating the attack as “an act of terrorism.”

“We stand in full solidarity with those targeted. And we will continue to ensure that justice is pursued swiftly, support is provided to victims and their communities, and preventative action is taken to protect everyone’s safety. We stand in full solidarity with those targeted,” FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said in a statement, per the release.

Michalek continued, “We will continue to ensure that justice is pursued swiftly, support is provided to victims and their communities, and preventative action is taken to protect everyone’s safety.”