Boulder, Colorado – Federal investigators are treating a violent assault on a pro-Israel march and vigil in downtown Boulder as an act of terrorism and a federal hate crime. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, June 1st or June 2nd, targeted individuals gathered to call for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, resulting in multiple injuries and raising concerns about rising hate-fueled violence.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Egyptian national Muhammad Sabri Solomon, was apprehended at the scene shortly after the attack. According to eyewitness accounts and official reports, Solomon allegedly used a makeshift flamethrower and threw Molotov cocktails or an incendiary device into the assembled crowd. During the assault, he was reportedly heard shouting “Free Palestine.”
Suspect’s Alleged Motive and Planning Revealed
Court documents have shed light on the suspect’s alleged intentions and the planning behind the attack. Authorities state that Solomon told investigators he had been planning the assault for approximately a year. His stated intent was to kill “Zionist people.” Further details from the documents indicate that Solomon had researched methods for constructing the weapons used in the attack. Officials currently believe he acted alone in carrying out the violent act.
Victims Sustain Severe Injuries
The unexpected assault left 12 individuals injured. The victims ranged in age from 52 to 88 years old, highlighting the vulnerability of those targeted. Several individuals sustained severe burn injuries, requiring urgent medical attention. Some victims were airlifted to hospitals, with at least one person reported to be in critical condition following the attack. Among those injured is reportedly a survivor of the Holocaust, adding a layer of historical tragedy to the contemporary violence.
Investigation and Extensive Charges
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken a leading role in the investigation, classifying the incident not only as a potential act of domestic terrorism but also as a federal hate crime. This dual classification underscores the gravity of the attack and the apparent targeting based on group identity.
In addition to the federal hate crime charge, Muhammad Sabri Solomon faces a formidable list of state charges, totaling over 40 counts. These include, but are not limited to, first-degree attempted murder, reflecting the alleged intent to cause lethal harm. Solomon is currently being held in custody on a significant bond amount of $10 million, signaling the high risk he is perceived to pose and the severity of the charges against him.
Official Condemnation and Broader Context
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from public officials at local, state, and federal levels. Colorado officials, including the state’s governor and attorney general, swiftly denounced the violence, unequivocally labeling it both a hate crime and an act of terror. They have publicly called for the full prosecution of the suspect to the maximum extent of the law.
President Trump was also briefed on the details of the attack. In a statement, the President affirmed that such actions would not be tolerated within the United States and reiterated that the suspect would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, aligning with the state officials’ calls for rigorous legal action.
The incident in Boulder follows other instances of violence linked to geopolitical tensions and identity. Authorities noted that the attack occurs in the wake of a deadly shooting incident involving two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington D.C. Officials have also pointed to a concerning rise in both anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes across the country, suggesting that the Boulder attack may be symptomatic of a broader trend of increasing extremism and intolerance.
