Colorado Fire Attack: Eight Injured Amid Pro-Israel Demonstration

A gathering in support of Israeli hostages in Colorado turned tragic when a man attacking with flaming devices injured eight individuals, prompting an FBI investigation into the incident as a suspected act of terrorism.

Multiple individuals were injured in a shocking attack at a peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, where a man shouting "free Palestine" launched a violent assault on the crowd. The incident occurred at Pearl Street Mall, a well-frequented outdoor area about 30 miles from Denver, while participants gathered to support Israeli hostages.

Authorities reported that eight individuals, ranging from ages 52 to 88, suffered injuries when the assailant employed Molotov cocktails and other makeshift incendiary devices. The FBI has classified the event as a suspected terror attack, stating that the suspect used a "makeshift flamethrower" during his assault. Eyewitness footage captures the chaos, revealing the shirtless assailant wielding incendiary devices while screaming at the crowd when he was ultimately apprehended.

The attack took place during a scheduled demonstration organized by Run for Their Lives, a pro-Israel group dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of hostages in Gaza. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn indicated that emergency calls were made at around 1:26 PM local time, alerting authorities to a man brandishing a weapon and setting people ablaze.

FBI Denver office chief Mark Michalek identified the attacker as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national whose non-immigrant visa had expired earlier this year. He had reportedly been living in Colorado Springs prior to the incident.

As footage from the attack circulated online, it showcased a scene of pandemonium as smoke billowed, frantic individuals fled, and injured persons lay on the ground. Witness accounts confirmed that the attacker launched multiple incendiary devices into the crowd, leading to severe injuries.

The escalating violence associated with the ongoing conflict in Gaza raises serious concerns. Colorado's Attorney General Phil Weiser classified the assault as a potential hate crime aimed at the demonstrators, emphasizing that “violence is never the answer” in conflicts over differing beliefs.

Israeli officials expressed their outrage, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemning the incident as "pure antisemitism" driven by media-fueled narratives. This attack follows a pattern of recent violent incidents related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising alarms about rising hostility within the United States.

Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, echoed Sa'ar's concerns, referring to the event as terrorism and highlighting the need for stronger responses to protect against antisemitic acts.

As investigations continue, communities remain on edge, with local officials emphasizing the importance of peace amid mounting tensions.