Eight Injured in Boulder Attack at Pearl Street Mall; Suspect in Custody
Boulder, Colorado – A violent attack at the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday afternoon left eight people injured and a suspect in custody. At around 1:26 p.m., Boulder Police responded to reports of an assault at 13th and Pearl Streets, where witnesses described a man using a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary device against a group of peaceful demonstrators. The victims, part of the “Run for Their Lives” group holding a weekly walk to raise awareness for hostages held by Hamas, ranged in age from 52 to 88 years old, with injuries varying from minor to severe.
Authorities identified the suspect as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, who was booked into Boulder County Jail on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, assault, and use of an incendiary device during a felony. Soliman reportedly yelled “Free Palestine” during the attack. Evacuation orders were issued around 3:09 p.m. as police secured the area near the historic Boulder County Courthouse.
According to federal authorities, Soliman legally entered the U.S. in August 2022 on a nonimmigrant visa, which expired in February 2023. He reportedly overstayed his visa and applied for asylum in September 2022, later receiving work authorization until March 2024.
While some national law enforcement agencies referred to the incident as a “terror attack,” Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages and declined to speculate on the motive. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is providing assistance to Boulder County as needed.
