In brief
Mohamed Soliman, an Egyptian national, is in custody following an attack in Boulder, Colorado, where he injured eight individuals using a makeshift flamethrower during a demonstration advocating for Israeli hostages.
Eight individuals were hospitalized on Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, following a horrifying attack where a man unleashed a “makeshift flamethrower” on demonstrators gathered in solidarity for Israeli captives in Gaza. The assault left officials grappling with the implications of a suspect identified by the Department of Homeland Security as an Egyptian citizen illegally residing in the U.S. after overstaying his tourist visa, which had expired in early 2023.The alleged assailant, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, entered the United States from Egypt in August 2022 and remained after his visa's expiration. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed he had filed for asylum in September 2022 but did not share further details. Witnesses reported that Soliman used the flamethrower to target peaceful marchers, declaring “Free Palestine” during the attack, which left patches of grass on fire outside the Boulder County courthouse as witnesses fought to extinguish the flames with their clothes.Hospital reports indicate that the victims, aged between 52 and 88, suffered serious burns and injuries, with some being evacuated by helicopter to specialized treatment facilities in Denver. Authorities have not confirmed any fatalities, though it is known that at least two victims remain in critical condition.This violent incident was notably concerning for local communities, especially given the backdrop of rising antisemitism in the United States. Governor Jared Polis expressed his horror at the attack, emphasizing the need for peace while condemning the act of violence against individuals merely seeking to advocate for hostages taken during the violent conflict involving Hamas.Community members expressed deep sorrow and alarm at the attack’s implications, with many feeling the weight of ongoing hostility towards Jewish individuals in the U.S. Recent incidents, including fatal shootings and arsons against Jewish individuals, have compounded fears, prompting officials to label the Boulder attack a potential hate crime.As investigations continue into the motives and background of the assailant, Boulder community members have temporarily suspended their weekly marches, diving into discussions about safety and the necessity of standing against such acts of hate.
