The Colorado fire attack has sent shockwaves through Boulder and beyond, as new details emerge about the violent assault that targeted a peaceful Jewish community event. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, unleashed a premeditated firebomb and flamethrower attack on demonstrators gathered at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall. The incident, now classified as a federal hate crime and terror attack, has left a dozen people injured—some seriously—and raised urgent questions about security, extremism, and the resilience of targeted communities.
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The Colorado Fire Attack: What Happened?
Just after noon on Sunday, attendees of a weekly event organized by “Run for Their Lives”—a group raising awareness about Israeli hostages in Gaza—were confronted by a man disguised as a gardener. Soliman, wearing a utility vest and carrying flowers, blended in with the crowd before suddenly attacking with a homemade flamethrower and Molotov cocktails. Witnesses reported hearing him shout “Free Palestine” and other anti-Zionist slogans as he hurled incendiary devices into the assembly, setting several people on fire.
The chaos was immediate. Eight individuals, aged between 52 and 88, suffered burns and other injuries, with four more later reporting minor wounds. Among the victims was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, underscoring the devastating impact on a community already marked by historical trauma. Bystanders captured video of Soliman, shirtless and yelling, as police quickly intervened and arrested him at the scene.
Planning and Motive Behind the Colorado Fire Attack
Authorities have revealed that the Colorado fire attack was the result of a year-long plot. Soliman, who immigrated to the United States in 2022 and overstayed his visa, began planning the assault in 2024, motivated by escalating resentment towards Israel and what he called “Zionists.” Federal documents show that he left behind an iPhone with messages for his wife and five children, as well as a detailed journal outlining his intentions.
Soliman’s preparations were meticulous. Unable to legally purchase a firearm as a non-citizen, he turned to online research to learn how to make Molotov cocktails. He bought glass containers from Target, filled them with gasoline at a local station, and packed them in a black storage bin. To get close to his intended victims, he dressed as a gardener and even purchased flowers from Home Depot. His plan was so calculated that he delayed the attack until his daughter graduated high school, a detail he later confessed to investigators.
The Aftermath: Charges and Community Response
The legal consequences for the Colorado fire attack are severe. Soliman faces a slew of charges, including federal hate crime violations, 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder, assault, and the use of explosives. His bond has been set at $10 million, and he appeared in court virtually on Monday, where a judge upheld a protection order barring him from contacting the victims.
The FBI and Colorado authorities have labeled the attack as a targeted act of terror. The Department of Justice condemned the violence as a “needless act” that follows a troubling pattern of attacks against Jewish Americans amid ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Boulder’s Jewish community, while shaken, has responded with resilience, organizing vigils and calling for increased security at public events.
How Did Soliman Learn to Make Firebombs?
A critical aspect of the Colorado fire attack investigation centers on how Soliman acquired the knowledge and materials to carry out such a sophisticated assault. According to federal affidavits, Soliman extensively researched Molotov cocktails online. He learned to use everyday items—glass bottles, gasoline, and a backpack sprayer—to create both firebombs and a makeshift flamethrower. His ability to adapt and improvise, coupled with his determination to inflict harm, highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals radicalized through digital channels and motivated by extremist ideologies.
The Broader Impact of the Colorado Fire Attack
The Colorado fire attack has reignited national conversations about hate crimes, immigration policy, and the safety of minority communities. It comes at a time of heightened concern, following other attacks on Jewish Americans and institutions across the country. Law enforcement agencies are now reviewing security protocols for public gatherings, particularly those connected to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
For Boulder, the attack is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and unity. Community leaders have urged residents to stand together against hate, emphasizing that acts of terror will not silence their calls for justice or peace. As the investigation continues and Soliman’s trial approaches, the city remains determined to heal and to ensure such violence never happens again.
Conclusion: Moving Forward After the Colorado Fire Attack
The Colorado fire attack has left deep scars but also sparked a renewed commitment to combating hate and supporting those affected. As Boulder recovers, the focus must remain on justice for the victims, accountability for the perpetrator, and the ongoing struggle against extremism in all its forms. Community solidarity, informed vigilance, and clear-eyed policy discussions are essential as the city and nation confront the aftermath of this shocking event.
Stay informed, support your local community, and speak out against hate—because the fight for safety and justice belongs to us all.