Boulder, Colorado – On June 3, 2025, a violent attack during the “Run for Their Lives” rally in Boulder left 12 people injured, including an elderly Holocaust survivor. The incident occurred at the Pearl Street Mall, where hundreds had gathered to protest the ongoing hostage situation involving Israeli nationals captured by Hamas. Authorities have arrested Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national residing in Colorado Springs, who now faces multiple charges, including 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder and a federal hate crime charge.
The rally, which sought to bring attention to the plight of the hostages, quickly turned tragic when Soliman allegedly unleashed a violent attack on the crowd. Witnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing a stream of fire during the chaos that ensued. Soliman reportedly used a makeshift flamethrower and firebombs, injuring attendees. Among those hurt in the attack was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, who, according to reports, is currently in stable condition after receiving medical care at a nearby hospital.
Boulder police and federal agents swiftly responded to the scene, arresting Soliman after a brief pursuit. Authorities were able to locate a journal and an iPhone on his person, which contained messages allegedly directed to his family. The contents of these messages remain undisclosed at this time. While investigators have yet to fully determine a motive for the attack, the charges of attempted murder and hate crimes suggest that Soliman may have had targeted intentions based on the political nature of the rally.
Local and federal authorities are working together to piece together the circumstances leading up to the attack. Law enforcement officials have also confirmed that Soliman is not known to have been associated with any organized extremist groups. However, they are closely scrutinizing his recent activities, including his apparent online presence and any possible ties to radical ideologies.
The attack has sparked outrage in Boulder and beyond, with many questioning the growing trend of violence at public rallies and protests. Civic leaders, including Boulder’s Mayor and Colorado Governor, have condemned the incident as an act of terror, highlighting the vulnerability of peaceful demonstrations in a climate of heightened political tensions. Governor Jared Polis issued a statement urging for unity in the face of such divisive acts, calling the attack a “devastating reminder of the dangers that can arise when hate and violence are allowed to fester in our communities.”
The rally itself had been peaceful up until the attack, with organizers stressing the importance of solidarity and peaceful advocacy for the hostages. The “Run for Their Lives” event was initially planned as a way for participants to show support for the victims of the hostage crisis, many of whom had family members still being held in Gaza.
The rise in political violence in recent years has raised concerns among security experts, who warn that such incidents could become more frequent as societal tensions grow. Protests over political and humanitarian issues have seen escalating violence across the country, especially in cities where demonstrations and rallies have become flashpoints for ideological clashes. The Boulder attack serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased security measures at public events.
Soliman’s arrest is being hailed as a swift response by law enforcement, but the broader question of how to prevent politically motivated violence at rallies continues to remain a topic of national conversation. Investigators are also looking into whether Soliman’s attack was planned in advance or whether it was spur-of-the-moment violence inspired by personal grievances or external influences.
While Boulder remains on edge, residents are coming together to support the victims of the attack. A local fundraiser has been launched to assist those who were injured, and the community is rallying behind efforts to ensure safety at future events. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the full extent of the motives behind the attack and preventing similar acts of violence from occurring again.
The attack and its aftermath are likely to dominate local and national conversations in the coming weeks, particularly as officials seek to address the growing concern about safety at public demonstrations.
