Multiple Victims Injured in Coordinated Molotov Attack at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall; Mohamed Soliman Identified as Primary Suspect in Act Labeled Terrorism by FBI
BOULDER, COLORADO — A peaceful demonstration held Sunday afternoon at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall was violently interrupted when a man allegedly hurled incendiary devices into a crowd, injuring several participants including children. Authorities have identified the suspect as Mohamed Soliman, 27, who was apprehended shortly after the attack and remains in custody under medical supervision.
The violent incident, now under investigation as a targeted domestic terror attack, has left the Boulder community stunned and federal officials actively involved. Emergency services, federal agents, and local police swarmed the popular pedestrian mall just after 2 p.m. as reports came in of fire and explosions near the Boulder County Courthouse.
A Peaceful Event Turned Violent
The attack targeted participants of a walk organized by Run For Their Lives, a grassroots campaign calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Organizers emphasized that the event was a “solidarity walk,” not a protest, and was open to families, including young children and elderly individuals.
The walk began at around 1:00 p.m., with attendees gathering at 8th and Pearl Streets before proceeding east through the Pearl Street Mall. The group stopped at the Boulder County Courthouse near 13th Street for a moment of silence and a short video recording. Witnesses say the crowd had just gathered for the closing moments of the event when the attacker struck.
According to eyewitnesses and police reports, Mohamed Soliman approached the group disguised as a city maintenance worker. He wore a neon utility vest and pushed what appeared to be landscaping equipment. Hidden in his gear were multiple Molotov cocktails — improvised weapons made from glass bottles filled with flammable liquid and ignited by a cloth fuse.
Without shouting or warning, Soliman lit and threw the homemade firebombs into the center of the gathered crowd.
“There was no confrontation, no argument — just sudden explosions. I turned around and saw flames engulfing part of the group. People were screaming, trying to smother the fire,” said Sarah K., a witness who had attended the event with her children.
Several participants attempted to extinguish the flames using jackets, water bottles, and bare hands. Victims were seen rolling on the ground while others tried to beat out fires on their clothes.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Within minutes, Boulder Police and fire personnel arrived on the scene. The Boulder Fire Department confirmed that seven individuals sustained burn injuries, including at least three minors. Some victims suffered second- and third-degree burns, and a few are reported to be in critical condition.
Photos and video from the scene show scorched pavement in front of the courthouse, discarded medical supplies, and trauma teams attending to burn victims. One video captures firefighters and paramedics treating a child whose legs were visibly burned while bystanders hold up towels to provide privacy.
Emergency medical services transported the most severely injured to Denver Health Medical Center and UCHealth Boulder. The current condition of the hospitalized victims has not been released, and officials have not yet disclosed their identities.
Boulder Police issued a citywide alert at 3:08 p.m., warning residents to avoid the 1200 to 1400 blocks of Pearl Street as multiple agencies secured the area and searched for additional threats. The blocks between Walnut and Pine Streets remain sealed off to pedestrian and vehicle traffic as of this publication.
Arrest of the Suspect
Witnesses reported that following the attack, Soliman attempted to flee the area, shedding his disguise and running eastward. Several officers, already on site due to the size of the event, pursued and tackled him approximately two blocks away.
He was apprehended near 15th and Pearl Street, shirtless and disoriented, and taken into custody without further incident. A photograph circulated on social media shows Soliman seated on the ground in handcuffs, surrounded by heavily armed officers.
Police confirmed that Soliman was injured during the arrest and has since been transported to a local hospital under 24-hour police watch. He has not yet been formally charged, but law enforcement agencies have indicated that charges could include attempted murder, use of explosive devices, terrorist activity, and hate crimes.
Federal Investigation and Terror Classification
Within hours, federal agencies including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) joined the investigation.
In a press briefing Sunday evening, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency is treating the incident as a “coordinated, ideologically motivated attack.”
“What happened today in Boulder was not random,” said Patel. “It was a premeditated, targeted assault on peaceful civilians. We are treating this as an act of domestic terrorism and will pursue the strongest federal charges available.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed Patel’s statements and confirmed that the suspect had been under no previous federal watch but had left behind “digital indicators of ideological radicalization.”
Authorities are now analyzing the suspect’s electronic devices, online communications, and travel records to determine whether he acted alone or had connections to any extremist groups or movements. Investigators are also reviewing security camera footage and eyewitness videos.
Vehicle and Evidence Recovered
Boulder Police have impounded a vehicle believed to be connected to Soliman. The car, located in a nearby alley off 14th Street, is undergoing forensic analysis. Officers reportedly found accelerants and other suspicious materials inside, along with a handwritten journal.
Detectives are working to determine if the suspect had plans for additional attacks or if the Pearl Street assault was part of a broader intended campaign.
Community Response
In the hours following the attack, the Boulder community has rallied around the victims. A candlelight vigil is being organized by local faith groups and advocacy organizations for Monday evening at Central Park.
Mayor Aaron Brock condemned the violence, calling the attack “an assault on the values of peace, tolerance, and civic expression that define our city.”
“Boulder stands united against hate,” Brock said during a press appearance. “We will support every victim, and we will seek justice for this heinous act.”
Local businesses in the Pearl Street area have closed temporarily, with several storefronts posting signs expressing solidarity with the victims and emergency responders.
Call for Information
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the attack, recorded video, or has any relevant information to contact the Boulder Police Department tip line at (303) 555-0168 or the FBI Denver Field Office. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the FBI’s public portal.
Ongoing Coverage
This remains an active investigation. Channel2 NOW will continue to provide verified updates as more information becomes available regarding the victims, the suspect, and the official charges.
Leave a Reply