Pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado disrupted by assault involving petrol bombs and flamethrowers, resulting in eight injuries.
In the heart of Boulder, Colorado, a chilling attack unfolded at a routine pro-Israel demonstration. A man, reportedly carrying a homemade flamethrower and petrol bombs, burst onto the scene, shouting "Free Palestine" as he targeted the peaceful crowd. The troubling incident left eight individuals injured, ranging in age from 52 to 88.
The horrifying event took place on Sunday, as the group, known as Run For Their Lives, assembled to raise awareness for Israeli hostages detained in Gaza. The alleged attacker, 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman, hailing from El Paso County, Colorado, was promptly arrested at the scene following the violence.
Emergency services rushed to the chaotic scene at the intersection of 13th Street and Pearl Street around 1:26 PM. Witnesses described seeing people engulfed in flames, with injuries ranging from critical to minor. Some victims were airlifted to hospitals for urgent treatment[1][2].
Authorities have classified the act as a targeted "act of terrorism," with the FBI confirming Soliman's arrest. Initial investigations suggest he acted alone and has minimal contact with law enforcement[3][4]. The White House has condemned the attacker, labeling him as an "illegal alien" with a work permit under the current administration, despite overstaying a tourist visa[5].
As the scene was secured, sniffer dogs and the bomb squad scoured the area for potential devices. Despite initial concerns, police now believe no other individuals were involved[6]. The area surrounding downtown Boulder was cordoned off, causing a ripple of unease in the peaceful university city of approximately 105,000 people.
With the attack still fresh in people's minds, the demonstration's tragic end raises worrying questions about rising antisemitism and increased vigilance against such heinous acts. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of the ongoing conflict and the need for mutual understanding in a world torn by division.
[1] [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57973683][2] [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boulder-colorado-police-investigate-crowd-attack-pro-israel-demonstration-suspect-in-custody/][3] [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/14/pro-israel-event-attacked-in-boulder-colorado-suspect-shouts-free-palestine-as-he-hurls-petrol-bombs][4] [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/least-one-critical-person-injured-boulder-colorado-suspect-who-targeted-pro-israel-2021-06-13/][5] [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/13/us/politics/boulder-colorado-israel-protest.html][6] [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57977441]
The horrifying incident on Sunday at the pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, has stirred discussions about rising antisemitism and the need for mutual understanding, as the alleged attacker, Mohamed Soliman, was arrested and his actions classified as a targeted act of terrorism. This event, which took place at the intersection of 13th Street and Pearl Street, raises questions about the role of politics and war in such heinous crimes and the efforts needed for general news outlets and law enforcement to address crime and justice issues effectively.
