Boulder, Colorado: Suspect Arrested in “Targeted Terror Attack” at Pro-Israel Demonstration.

Boulder, Colorado, became the scene of a violent incident on Sunday, as a man attacked a group of demonstrators with a makeshift flamethrower, injuring eight people. The FBI is investigating the event as a “targeted terror attack.”

The victims, four women and four men aged between 52 and 88, were participating in a “Run For Their Lives” event organized to raise awareness for Israeli captives held in Gaza. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly yelled, “Free Palestine,” during the assault, according to FBI Special Agent Mark Michalek.

Emergency services transported the injured to local hospitals, with initial reports indicating serious injuries. Soliman was taken into custody and also received hospital treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. While formal charges have not yet been announced, officials have stated their intention to hold him “fully accountable.”

Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn refrained from speculation but confirmed the victims’ injuries were consistent with having been set on fire. He emphasized the peaceful nature of the demonstration and condemned the attack as “unacceptable,” urging the community to focus on supporting the victims and their families.

The incident occurs amidst rising tensions in the United States related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has fueled an increase in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents. The attack has drawn condemnation from Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who decried “hate-filled acts of any kind,” and from Boulder’s Jewish community, which expressed sadness and heartbreak.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the attack. Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher reported that witnesses described the suspect using what appeared to be Molotov cocktails. The FBI’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the incident and the potential for federal charges related to terrorism. The events in Boulder highlight the growing polarization and potential for violence surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within the United States.