Egyptian national charged in Boulder terror attack targeting pro-Israel rally

Authorities have charged a 45-year-old Egyptian national in connection with a violent terror attack that left eight people injured during a peaceful pro-Israel rally in Boulder on Sunday. The suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was arrested at the scene and is currently being held at the Boulder County Jail.

Soliman, who entered the United States two years ago and reportedly overstayed his visa, allegedly targeted a rally organized by the group “Run for Their Lives,” which advocates for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The attack occurred around 1:26 p.m. near the Boulder County Courthouse on Pearl Street, according to Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn.

Witnesses and video evidence reviewed by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) suggest Soliman set several participants on fire while shouting anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian slogans, including “Free Palestine” and “We have to end Zionists, they are killers.” Victims ranged in age from 52 to 88, authorities said.

The event had been part of a weekly grassroots campaign held globally since October 15, 2023, following the Hamas-led hostage crisis that began on October 7. In a statement, “Run for Their Lives” condemned the attack, emphasizing that their movement is peaceful and apolitical, solely aimed at raising awareness for the 58 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza.

“This is an international humanitarian crisis,” the group stated. “We call on world leaders to do everything they can to ensure the swift return home of each of the 58 hostages.”

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the incident appears to be motivated by hate. “From what we know, this attack appears to be a hate crime given the group that was targeted,” Weiser said in a statement. “People may have differing views about world events and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but violence is never the answer.”

The timing of the attack, which occurred on the eve of the Jewish holiday Shavuot, has added to the gravity of the incident. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that the bureau is investigating the act as an incident of “ideologically motivated violence,” citing preliminary evidence and eyewitness accounts.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack as tensions over the Middle East conflict echo on American soil.