Eight Injured in What FBI Calls ‘Act of Terrorism’ in Colorado

Eight people were injured and some burned at an outdoor mall in Boulder, Colorado, authorities said on Sunday. A man was taken into custody in the attack at 13th and Pearl Street, a popular pedestrian mall downtown, police said. FBI agents are also investigating what the agency has described as a “targeted terror attack.” A male suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is in custody at Boulder County jail.

All eight victims, ranging in age from 52 to 88, were transported to hospitals where they remain after the suspect threw “an incendiary device” into the crowd, Mark Michalek, the special agent in charge of the Denver field office, said at a Sunday evening press conference. The suspect could be heard shouting “Free Palestine,” Michalek said. He added that the FBI is investigating the incident as “an act of terrorism.” No charges were immediately filed, but District Attorney Michael Dougherty said the attacker would be held “fully accountable.”

“A man was throwing Molotov cocktails and using devices to hurt people,” Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said. At least one of the victims is in serious, possibly critical condition, he said.

A group of walkers participating in a Run for Their Lives event were among the people gathered on Pearl Street. The series of events are “calling for the immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas,” according to its website.

“This act of terror is being investigated as an act of ideologically motivated violence based on the early information, the evidence, and witness accounts. We will speak clearly on these incidents when the facts warrant it,” Dan Bongino, Deputy Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation said via social media.

The incident occurred around 1:26 p.m., when Boulder police dispatch received several calls reporting there was “a man with a weapon and that people were being set on fire,” Redfearn said in an earlier afternoon press conference. When police arrived on scene there were “multiple victims” with “injuries consistent with burns” and other injuries, which range from minor to very serious, he said.

The male suspect was pointed out and was taken into custody without incident, Redfearns said, and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

During the earlier press conference, Redfearn noted that there was a group of pro-Israel people who were holding a “peaceful demonstration,” which “happens frequently” in the area. Redfearn said at that time that it was too soon to determine motive. “It would be irresponsible of me to speculate on motive this early on,” while they were still interviewing witnesses.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a statement: “My thoughts go out to the people who have been injured by this heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community. Boulder is strong. We have overcome tragedies together and will get through this together as a community. I’ve spoken with Boulder Mayor Brockett, and my administration is working closely with local and federal law enforcement on this afternoon’s attack.”

The scene itself had been contained, Redfearns said, and police were investigating a “vehicle of interest” in the area. Several blocks around the outdoor mall had been evacuated.

“We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available,” FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media Sunday afternoon.  

In a statement on Instagram, Run for Their Lives noted that their walks “have been held every week” without “any violent incidents until today.” The organization added that “the plight of the hostages is an international humanitarian crisis” and called on world leaders to do “everything they can to ensure the swift return home of each of the 58 hostages.”

The attack comes more than a week after two Israeli embassy staffers were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum.

Israel’s war in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023 when Hamas led attacks in Southern Israel, including attendees of the Supernova Festival, killing more than 1,200 civilians and abducted 251 hostages. There are 58 hostages still being held, it is unclear how many are alive, after many of the others were released following ceasefire agreements and other deals. As The Associated Press reports, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 54,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children per Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not identify how many were civilians or combatants.

This post was updated with the number of people injured and Run for Their Lives’ statement at 2:55 a.m. ET on June 2.