Pro-Israel rally attacked in Colorado, man sets activists on fire

A 45-year-old Egyptian national, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly attacked a pro-Israel rally at an outdoor shopping mall in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, injuring at least six people.

 According to authorities, Soliman used a makeshift flamethrower during the attack, setting some activists on fire before being apprehended at the scene.

Police confirmed that six individuals were injured, some critically, while others suffered minor burns. Soliman himself sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. 

Though authorities have not disclosed the nature of his wounds, they stated that he would be held accountable for his actions.

According to an FBI special agent, Soliman allegedly shouted "Free Palestine" during the attack. 

However, Boulder police have remained cautious about commenting on the motive, saying it is too early to make any conclusions. Meanwhile, the FBI has classified the incident as a potential act of terrorism and has launched an investigation.

Read: Palestinian man Hamdi al Najjar dies after losing nine children in Israeli airstrike

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the attack appears to be motivated by hate, emphasising that any form of hateful violence is “unacceptable.”

The rally was organised by Run For Their Lives, a volunteer group advocating for the return of Israeli captives believed to be held in Gaza. Videos and photos of the shirtless attacker quickly circulated on social media, further fueling public debate and concern.

The incident comes at a time when the United States continues to provide military support and diplomatic backing to Israel amid its ongoing genocide in Gaza. Since October 2023, more than 50,000 Palestinians, many of them children, have been killed, with Israel facing growing accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

Check: UN declares Gaza the “hungriest place on Earth” as Israel continues to block aid

Despite the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the US government has yet to condemn Israel’s actions. Instead, it has adopted increasingly hardline policies toward pro-Palestinian protesters, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis called the incident a “hateful act” and stated that authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The Jewish community in Colorado also condemned the attack.