In a shocking incident being investigated as a targeted act of terrorism by authorities, a 45-year-old man hurled incendiary devices into a group of people attending a gathering to support Israeli hostages in downtown Boulder on Sunday afternoon, injuring at least six. According to the FBI, the suspect, Mohamed Soliman, allegedly yelled "Free Palestine" before throwing glass bottles containing an incendiary liquid at the crowd on Pearl Street Mall.

The victims, who are aged 67 to 88, were taken to nearby hospitals with injuries from severe to minor burns, authorities said. Some were found on the ground with apparent burn injuries, witnesses recounted. “This was a targeted act of violence. We are investigating this as an act of terrorism,” said Mark Michalek, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Denver Field Office.

Targeted Terror Act Says FBI Director Kash Patel

FBI Director Kash Patel also stated it was a "targeted terror act." Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser described it as likely being a hate crime since the victims were from a gathering of the Jewish community. “This is horrifying and cannot be allowed to continue. We must stand up to antisemitism,” said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, condemning the attack. Brooke Coffman, a 19-year-old University of Colorado student who witnessed the attack, said to the local media, “I saw four women sitting or lying on the ground, burned on their legs. One woman looked like she was badly burned all over. The attacker was standing shirtless, shouting and holding a glass bottle.”

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Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn reported the suspect was taken into custody shortly after the attack and was transported to a hospital for treatment. “We are confident we have the lone suspect in custody. There is no current threat to public safety,” he said at a press conference. “This was a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Boulder, and this act of violence is completely unacceptable,” Redfearn added.

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The attack comes amid escalating tensions in the US surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza. Reports of antisemitic violence and between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators have increased over the past few months. The administration of US President Donald Trump has come down heavily, arresting pro-Palestinian protesters and denying federal funds to universities that permit such protests. Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed shock on X ( formerly twitter), describing the attack as "unfathomable.", calling the incident “unfathomable.” The assault comes on the heels of a similar fatal shooting last week in Washington, D.C., where a gunman fatally shot two Israeli embassy staff after an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The local police and the FBI are ongoing in their investigation. The motive of the suspect is being scrutinized, and officials also monitor possible ties to extremist ideologies.