A violent petrol bomb attack occurred on June 1 at approximately 1:30 pm local time in Boulder, Colorado in USA, where a crowd had gathered in solidarity with Israeli prisoners held by Hamas. The attacker, identified as Mohammed Sabri Soliman, threw a petrol bomb into the crowd while shouting the slogan “Free Palestine.” Multiple individuals suffered injuries, including burns and other trauma. The FBI is currently assessing the incident as a terrorist attack.
The attacker was seen walking toward the gathering while chanting slogans in support of Palestine. Video footage from the scene shows a shirtless man carrying petrol bombs and repeating the words, “We can do it, Palestine will be free.” Authorities responded swiftly, and Soliman was subdued by police at the scene.
Attacker’s Background and Immigration Status
Mohammed Sabri Soliman, an Egyptian citizen, entered the United States in August 2022 on a non-immigrant visa designated for leisure, medical, or business visits. The visa initially permitted him to stay until February 2023. However, Soliman remained in the country and was later granted an extension in March 2023, allowing him to remain until March 2025. Despite the expiry of this extension, Soliman had not departed the US at the time of the attack.
Officials confirmed that Soliman had overstayed his permitted period of stay and was unlawfully present in the United States at the time of the incident. Investigators are examining Soliman’s motives and affiliations to determine if the act was part of a broader extremist agenda.
Authorities and Political Leaders Respond
FBI director Kash Patel confirmed it as an act of terror, stating, “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”.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser stated that hatred toward the targeted population was a key motive in the attack. “This incident reflects not only a calculated act of violence but also hatred directed at a specific community,” he said.
Jewish Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer condemned the attack, stating, “We are closely monitoring the situation. Such horrific attacks should never happen again.”
Previous Incident at Jewish Museum in Washington
The petrol bomb attack follows a separate deadly shooting incident just days earlier outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Two employees of the Israeli Embassy, Yaron Liszinski and Sarah Milgrim, were fatally shot as they arrived to attend a cultural event jointly organised by the United States and Israel.
Witnesses reported that the suspect in that incident also shouted “Free Palestine” slogans during and after the attack. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old native of Chicago, continued shouting the slogan while being taken into custody by police.
Authorities are investigating possible links between the two incidents and have increased security measures around Jewish institutions and events across the country.
