"Criminal Incidents and Safety Concerns in the Community"

Mall Carnage in Boulder

specialist insight: a 2025 terror attack on Boulder's Pearl Street Mall leaves eight innocent bystanders hurt*

BOULDER - Eyewitnesses describe a shocking scene after a horrific assault unfolded on Boulder's popular Pearl Street Mall in June 2025. A man with a flamethrower and a stockpile of Molotov cocktails ambushed an unsuspecting crowd during a weekly rally in support of Israeli hostages.

The violence erupted at around 1:26 p.m., as a group of supporters participated in a weekly walk organized by the city's chapter of Run for Their Lives. This organization campaigns for the release of hostages held by the Gaza-based terrorist group Hamas.

FBI Special Agent in Charge, Mark Michalek, stated that authorities were investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. FBI Director Kash Patel had made a similar statement earlier in the day.

Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old man from Colorado Springs, was the prime suspect. Bystanders pointed him out to police near the Boulder County courthouse, where he had reportedly caused additional harm with his makeshift weaponry.

Police and FBI officials initially stated that six people were injured in the attack. However, updates revealed that eight individuals had sustained burns and other injuries. The victims included four women and four men, ranging in age from 52 to 88.

Further updates showed that Soliman had shouted "Free Palestine" during the assault. He did not seem to have any social media presence or a criminal record in Colorado.

Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn confirmed that the investigation was ongoing, and that authorities were almost certain Soliman acted alone. Soliman was hospitalized for a medical evaluation before being taken into custody and charged with several offenses.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not comment on Soliman's immigration status. The FBI later announced that agents were conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity in El Paso County, which was related to the investigation.

The tragic incident sparked condemnation from national Jewish organizations and U.S. leaders, who linked the violence to a broader wave of hate. The attack occurred amidst global tensions between Israel and Gaza, during which Hamas had taken hostages, a situation that prompted the weekly demonstrations in Boulder.

Mohamed Sabry Soliman's attack serves as a grim reminder of the widespread fear and violence these conflicts can cause, even thousands of miles away from the Middle East. People in Boulder, and beyond, are left grappling with the fallout from this hateful act, as authorities continue their efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice.

The government has condemned the terror attack on Boulder's Pearl Street Mall, highlighting the law that deals with acts of terrorism.
The court will play a crucial role in determining the fate of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the prime suspect in the mall carnage.
The community is on edge, with fears of similar crime escalating after the mall incident.
The medical team is working tirelessly to treat the victims of the mall attack, including those injured in car-accidents and fires that followed.
The attack has sparked a renewed focus on health and safety policies within the community, with calls for improved law enforcement measures.
Local arts organizations have organized events to deliver a message of unity, aiming to foster healing within the community.
General news outlets have reported an increase in migration from Boulder following the terror attack, with some residents seeking safer environments.
Political leaders have spoken out against the violence, citing the need for policy changes to prevent such war-and-conflicts from affecting American cities.
Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain vigilant, promising to do everything in their power to prevent such acts of terror from occurring in the future.