Suspect threw a flamethrower and yelled ‘Free Palestine' in Colorado attack, FBI says

CNN

5 days ago

Update:
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Title: FBI is conducting "court-authorized law enforcement activity" in El Paso County, Colorado
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The FBI's Denver branch is conducting 'court-authorized law enforcement activity' in El Paso County, Colorado, related to Sunday's attack.
The agency announced the activity on X.
'As this is an ongoing investigation, no additional information is available at this time,' reads the post.
El Paso County is a little over 100 miles from Boulder.
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Title: A suspect is in custody following an antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado. Here's what we know
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The FBI is investigating what officials are calling an antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, during a weekly gathering of Jewish community members. Six people were injured, according to Boulder police.
The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd and also yelled 'Free Palestine,' FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Michalek said Sunday during a news conference.
Here's what we know:
The attack: The incident took place during a Boulder Run for Their Lives event – a weekly gathering of Jewish community members meant to support the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
Victims: Six victims, ranging in age from 67 to 88, were injured in the Sunday attack, according to the FBI. One victim was 'very seriously injured,' according to Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn. Four victims were taken to Boulder Community Hospital. Two victims were airlifted to the Denver metro area, the chief said. All six victims are still being treated.
The suspect: Soliman, 45, acted alone and is not part of a larger group or network, Michalek said. In 2005, he was denied a visa to enter the United States, sources tell CNN. It's unclear when or how the suspect entered the US.
Potential charges: Soliman will be charged in the coming days, according to Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty. Federal criminal charges are expected in the case, according to a CNN source familiar with the investigation. It is unclear if Soliman has an attorney at this time.
Update:
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Title: Stephen Miller says suspect had "illegally overstayed" tourist visa
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White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said the suspect in Sunday's attack had 'illegally overstayed' a tourist visa.
'He was granted a tourist visa by the Biden Administration and then he illegally overstayed that visa,' Miller wrote in a post on X. 'In response, the Biden Administration gave him a work permit.'
Miller characterized the suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, as an 'illegal alien.'
Law enforcement sources previously told CNN that the suspect had applied for asylum and been rejected for a visa in 2005. It's unclear how and when the suspect entered the US.
CNN has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for information about the suspect's immigration status.
Update:
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Title: Gov. Polis condemns the "heinous" attack in Boulder that left six injured
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Colorado Gov. Jared Polis condemned the attack in Boulder that left at least six injured Sunday.
'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,' Polis said Sunday.
'As the Jewish community reels from the recent antisemitic murders in Washington, DC, it is unfathomable that the community is facing another antisemitic attack here in Boulder, on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot,' he added.
Polis, who is Jewish, married his longtime partner in a traditional Jewish ceremony in 2021.
'Several individuals were brutally attacked while peacefully drawing attention to the plight of hostages who have been held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 604 days. Hate is unacceptable in our Colorado for all, and I condemn this act of terror. The suspect should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,' he said.
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Title: Suspect had applied for asylum in US and was denied a visa, law enforcement sources say
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The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, in Sunday's attack had previously applied for asylum in the US, law enforcement sources told CNN.
Soliman was denied a visa to enter the country in 2005, the sources told CNN.
It's unclear when or how the suspect entered the US.
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Title: Witness describes seeing a "big fire go up' after attack
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A witness to Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, described seeing a 'big fire go up' in an interview with CNN affiliate KUSA.
Brooke Coffman told KUSA she was on the phone with her mother during her lunch break, approximately 100 to 150 feet away from the courthouse, when she 'saw some flags moving around,' 'people wrestling,' and 'like someone was getting beat up or something.'
When she saw the flames, Coffman said she hung up on her mother, ran over to the area and called 911.
'There was a kid yelling, 'Call 911,'' she recalled. 'People on the street were just yelling, 'Call 911.' People were running.'
Coffman told KUSA she jumped over a small fence to get to two women who were 'rolling around a bit' on the grass and in their underwear from stripping their pants.
She asked how she could help and saw how extensive their burns were.
'They have really bad burns all up on their legs,' she said. One of the victims was screaming and 'was wrapped in a flag.'
'It just wasn't a good scene and she was, definitely needed help,' she said. 'It was just not obviously a good thing to see.'
Update:
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Title: NYPD increased security at religious sites for Shavuot
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The New York Police Department said its presence is increased at synagogues and other religious sites across New York City for the Jewish holiday Shavuot, following Sunday's antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado.
'The NYPD has already increased our presence at religious sites throughout NYC for Shavuot with high visibility patrols and heavy weapons terms,' the Department announced in a post on X. Shavuot began Sunday evening.
Increased NYPD patrols have been deployed to synagogues and mosques on multiple occasions since the start of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza on October 7, 2023.
New York state is home to the largest population of Jews outside of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while also boasting one of the country's largest populations of Arabs and Muslims. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security had previously reported increased reports of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and anti-Arab threats following the start of the war.
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Title: Attacker will be charged in the coming days, Boulder County DA says
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The suspect arrested today for allegedly setting several people on fire in Boulder, Colorado, will be charged soon, according to Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, who did not specify whether the charges would be federal.
'In the coming days, decisions will be made about what charges to file and where,' Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in a press briefing. 'There's a couple different options, but what I would stress now, most importantly, is we are fully united 100% in making sure the charges we bring hold the attacker fully accountable.'
Federal criminal charges are expected in the case, according to a CNN source familiar with the investigation.
The source stressed potential mental health concerns have not yet been ruled out, which could factor into any charging decision.
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Title: FBI: Suspect yelled 'Free Palestine' during attack and used "makeshift flamethrower'
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Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, that left several injured, reportedly threw Molotov cocktails and used what authorities called 'a makeshift flamethrower.'
'This attack happened at a regularly scheduled, weekly peaceful event,' FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark D. Michalek said Sunday during a news conference. 'Witnesses are reporting that the subject used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd.'
It is unclear if Soliman has an attorney at this time. Authorities said Soliman was injured during the attack and was taken to a hospital.
'The FBI shares in the sorrow of the Boulder community, especially to those who have family or friends injured in this tragedy,' Michalek said.
Update:
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Title: Attack follows killing of two Israeli embassy staffers
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Sunday's attack comes little over a week after the fatal shooting of two staffers at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The accused gunman, Elias Rodriguez, faces several federal murder charges, after authorities say he shot Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30 as they left an event at the Jewish Museum.
Rodriguez reportedly shouted 'Free Palestine' as he was arrested. The Department of Justice is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Both attacks come amid heightened tensions in the US during Israel's ongoing war in Gaza.
Speaking at a Sunday news conference, FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said, 'Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country.'
'This is an example of how perpetrators of violence continue to threaten communities across our nation.'
Update:
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Title: Investigators do not believe there is an additional suspect at large
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Law enforcement does not believe there is an additional suspect after a man was arrested earlier today after reportedly setting people on fire in Boulder, Colorado.
'At this point, we do not believe that there is an additional suspect at large,' Boulder Police Chief Michael Redfearn said.
When asked if there was evidence the suspect acted as part of a 'greater network' or specific group, Mark Michalek with the FBI said, 'Not at this time.'
'The subject is in custody, but this will be a thorough and complete investigation, and those checks are ongoing,' Michalek said.
Update:
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Title: 1 victim "very seriously" injured
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One victim in Sunday's attack was 'very seriously injured,' according to Boulder police chief Michael Redfearn.
Four victims were taken to Boulder Community Hospital. Two victims were airlifted to the Denver metro area, the chief said. All six victims are still being treated.
'Our thoughts are heavily focused on their recovery,' he added.
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Title: "Our hearts go out to everyone affected today," Boulder police chief says
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'Our hearts go out to everyone affected today,' Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said at a Sunday news conference.
'We understand that this has a ripple effect in many communities, and we are continuing to to stand with and support the victims affected today by this attack,' he said.
'Boulder is not immune to tragedy, sadly, and I know a lot of people are scared right now,' the police chief said. 'A lot of people are upset and questioning how this happened and why. All I know is Boulder has recovered before, from acts of violence, and we will again recover.'
Update:
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Title: Suspect identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman
Content:
The suspect in Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, age 45.
The suspect was heard to have yelled 'Free Palestine' during the attack, FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark D. Michalek said Sunday during a news conference following the incident.
Update:
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Title: Trump briefed on Boulder attack, White House says
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President Donald Trump has been briefed on the attack in Boulder, Colorado, where multiple people were set on fire at a march for Israeli hostages, a White House official tells CNN.
The official did not comment further on the matter.
His Federal Bureau of Investigation director, Kash Patel, has referred to the incident as a 'targeted terror attack.' Local officials declined to do so at this time, saying that the investigation is ongoing.
The reported attack took place at the Boulder Run for Their Lives event, the Anti-Defamation League said on social media. The weekly gathering of Jewish community members is meant to support the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023.
Update:
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Title: DOJ says it will "prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law' as it investigates Boulder incident
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The Department of Justice says it is working with local law enforcement to investigate Sunday's incident in Boulder, Colorado, saying it will 'follow the facts' and 'prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.'
'Department of Justice agents with local law enforcement are investigating the tragic attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by this needless act of violence, which follows recent attacks against Jewish Americans. We will follow the facts and prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law,' a Department of Justice spokesperson said in a statement.
FBI agents and federal prosecutors are currently reviewing the circumstances of the incident to determine whether the individual will be charged with terrorism or under other possible federal criminal statutes, a source familiar with the investigation told CNN.
FBI leadership was quick to label the incident as terrorism; however, local law enforcement officials said earlier at a news conference that the motive remained under investigation.
Update:
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Title: FBI and Boulder Police to give update on antisemitic attack at 8:30 p.m. ET
Content:
The FBI and the Boulder Police Department will give an update on an antisemitic attack Sunday during a march in support of the Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado.
The press conference will be at 6:30 p.m. MT / 8:30 p.m. ET at police headquarters in Boulder.
Multiple people were injured after being set on fire during the march.
Police have one suspect in custody and continue to investigate the incident.
Update:
Date:
Title: A suspect is in custody after a man reportedly set people on fire in Boulder, Colorado. Here's what to know
Content:
A man reportedly set people on fire in Boulder, Colorado, leaving multiple individuals injured as people gathered for a demonstration in support of the Israeli hostages.
A suspect is in custody and police are investigating what FBI officials immediately called 'a targeted terror attack' — though the local authorities said it was too early to define the attack.
'When we arrived, we encountered multiple victims … with injuries consistent with burns,' Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said Sunday.
The reported attack took place at the Boulder Run for Their Lives event, the Anti-Defamation League said on social media. The weekly gathering of Jewish community members is meant to support the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023.
At least two individuals have been taken to the hospital, according to law enforcement officials.
Federal response: While the suspect has not been identified by police, federal charges are expected in the case, a source familiar with the investigation tells CNN.
FBI agents and federal prosecutors are currently reviewing the circumstances of the incident to determine whether the individual will be charged with terrorism or under other possible federal criminal statutes, the source said.
FBI director Kash Patel said in a social media post that '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.'