Attack Overview
On June 1, 2025, a violent attack occurred at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado, targeting a peaceful weekly gathering organized by the Run for Their Lives group to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The assailant, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, used a makeshift flamethrower and threw Molotov cocktails at the crowd, injuring eight individuals. The FBI has classified the incident as a "targeted terror attack" and is investigating it as an act of ideologically motivated violence. Witnesses reported the suspect shouting "Free Palestine" during the assault, indicating a possible anti-Semitic and anti-Israel motive. The attack took place on the eve of Shavuot, a significant Jewish holiday, amplifying its impact on the Jewish community. Emergency responders arrived promptly, and the suspect was apprehended without resistance. The incident follows a pattern of recent attacks on Jewish communities in the United States, including the May 21, 2025, shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., and an arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in April 2025.
Timeline of the Attack:
• 1:26 p.m. (MDT), June 1, 2025: Boulder Police Department receives multiple emergency calls reporting a man with a weapon setting people on fire near the county courthouse at 13th and Pearl Streets.
• ~1:30 p.m.: Officers arrive at the scene, encounter multiple victims with burn injuries, and detain the suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who is later taken to a hospital for minor injuries.
• Afternoon/Evening, June 1: FBI labels the incident a "targeted terror attack" and begins investigating it as an act of terrorism. Four victims are transported to Boulder Community Hospital, and two are airlifted to a burn unit in Aurora, Colorado.
• Evening, June 1: Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn confirms injuries consistent with burns, ranging from minor to serious, and notes ongoing witness interviews. The FBI states there is no evidence of additional suspects.
• Before Midnight, June 1: Soliman is booked into Boulder County Jail on multiple felony charges, including use of an incendiary device, with a $10,000,000 bond.
• June 2, 2025: Official statements from Colorado Governor Jared Polis, FBI Director Kash Patel, and other leaders condemn the attack as an act of antisemitic terror.
Suspect Information and Background
The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, is a 45-year-old Egyptian national who arrived in the United States in 2022 on a non-immigrant visa that expired in February 2023. Soliman had been residing in Colorado Springs, Colorado, prior to the attack. Soliman was taken into custody at the scene and hospitalized for minor injuries before being booked into Boulder County Jail on multiple felony charges, including use of an incendiary device. Online jail records also list a first-degree murder charge, though authorities have clarified there were no fatalities, suggesting this may refer to attempted murder. The FBI has stated that Soliman acted alone, with no evidence of connections to a wider group. Witnesses reported him shouting antisemitic slurs during the attack.
Motive and Ideology
The FBI and other officials have identified the attack as ideologically motivated, with early evidence and witness accounts pointing to antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment as key drivers. This incident aligns with a broader pattern of attacks targeting Jewish communities in the U.S., including the Washington, D.C., shooting on May 21, 2025, where the suspect also shouted "Free Palestine," and the April 2025 arson attack on Governor Shapiro’s residence, motivated by Israeli actions in Gaza. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has reported a spike in antisemitic incidents in 2023 and 2024, with this attack contributing to a disturbing trend of violence against Jewish individuals and institutions, often framed by perpetrators as protests against Israeli policies.
Additional Relevant Information
• Victim Details: The eight victims, four men and four women aged 52 to 88, included a Holocaust survivor, emphasizing the attack’s profound impact on the Jewish community. Two victims with serious burns were airlifted to a Denver-area burn unit, while four were treated at Boulder Community Hospital.
• Community Response: Boulder’s Jewish Community Center expressed heartbreak and canceled future Run for Their Lives walks indefinitely, reflecting heightened fear and disruption. Local and federal leaders, including Governor Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser, condemned the attack as antisemitic and vowed to prosecute Soliman fully.
• Law Enforcement Actions: The FBI is conducting court-authorized activities in El Paso County, Colorado, likely related to Soliman’s residence, and assisted processing the crime scene with Boulder police.
National and Virginia-Specific Outlook
Nationally, the Boulder attack highlights an alarming rise in antisemitic violence, with recent incidents in Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania indicating a growing threat to Jewish communities. The ADL’s data shows record-high antisemitic incidents in 2023 and 2024, driven in part by tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. The FBI’s classification of the Boulder incident as a terrorist act underscores the need for heightened vigilance, particularly at Jewish community events and institutions.
In Virginia, while no directly comparable incidents have been reported recently, the state’s Jewish communities, particularly in areas like Northern Virginia with significant Jewish populations, face similar risks. The proximity to Washington, D.C., where the May 21 attack occurred, raises concerns about potential copycat incidents. Virginia’s Jewish institutions, such as synagogues and community centers should prioritize security assessments and coordination with local law enforcement. The Virginia Fusion Center and local police departments can provide threat intelligence and support for securing public gatherings, especially during high-profile events or holidays.
Upcoming Jewish Holidays and Areas of Concern
Upcoming Jewish holidays include:
• Rosh Hashanah: September 22–24, 2025
• Yom Kippur: October 1–2, 2025
• Sukkot: October 6–13, 2025
• Simchat Torah: October 13–15, 2025
These holidays involve synagogue services, community events, and public celebrations, making them potential targets for ideologically motivated attackers. Areas of concern include:
• Synagogues and Community Centers: High attendance during holidays increases exposure to threats. Enhanced security, including private guards and police patrols, is critical.
• Public Demonstrations: Events like Run for Their Lives, which occur in multiple U.S. cities, are at risk due to their visibility and political connotations.
• Urban Areas with Jewish Populations: Cities with large and active Jewish communities can be potential hotspots.
Best Practices for Safety in the Jewish Community
To enhance safety amid rising antisemitic incidents, Jewish community members and institutions should adopt proactive measures to mitigate risks, particularly during public events and religious observances. Key best practices include:
• Security Training: Synagogues, community centers, and event organizers should conduct regular security training for staff and volunteers, focusing on recognizing suspicious behavior, de-escalation techniques, and emergency response protocols. Programs like the Secure Community Network (SCN) offer tailored training resources.
• Physical Security Enhancements: Install surveillance cameras, access control systems, and panic buttons at places of worship and community venues. Coordinate with local law enforcement for regular security assessments and increased patrols during high-risk periods, such as holidays.
• Community Awareness: Encourage congregants to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities, such as unfamiliar individuals loitering near events or online threats targeting Jewish institutions. Promote a culture of "see something, say something" within the community.
• Event Planning: Organizers of public gatherings should pre-coordinate with local police to establish a security perimeter and emergency evacuation plans.
• Mental Health Support: Communities should acknowledge the psychological impact of antisemitic incidents, especially for vulnerable groups like Holocaust survivors or children.
These measures, combined with community resilience and coordination with law enforcement, can significantly reduce vulnerabilities while fostering a sense of safety.
Reporting Suspicious Activity and the Role of the Virginia Fusion Center and SCN
Reporting suspicious activity promptly is critical to preventing potential threats. In Virginia, the Virginia Fusion Center serves as a key resource for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating threat intelligence to law enforcement and community partners. To report suspicious activity:
• Contact the Virginia Fusion Center:
Use the online reporting portal or call the Virginia State Police Fusion Center at 1-877-4VA-TIPS (1-877-482-8477) to report suspicious activity. Provide detailed information, including descriptions of individuals, vehicles, or activities you find suspicious.
• Local Law Enforcement:
For immediate threats, call 911. For non-emergencies, contact local police departments in your area or the Virginia State Police.
• Secure Community Network (SCN):
The Secure Community Network plays a vital role in enhancing Jewish community safety by providing threat assessments, security training, and real-time incident monitoring. SCN’s partnerships with federal and local agencies ensure rapid response to emerging threats, as demonstrated in their coordination with the FBI following the Boulder attack. Community members and institutions should engage with SCN to access resources like security webinars, threat alerts, and incident reporting protocols, which are critical for proactive threat mitigation. Report incidents or concerns at 844-SCN-DESK (844-726-3375) or via securecommunitynetwork.org.
The Boulder attack underscores the escalating threat of antisemitic violence in the United States, driven by ideological motives tied to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Jewish communities must adopt robust security practices, engage with organizations like SCN, and utilize resources like the Virginia Fusion Center to report suspicious activity. Public safety officials and community leaders should prioritize enhanced security measures, particularly during upcoming holidays and at public events.
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