Credit: x
A man threw cocktails in a “terrorist attack” in an outdoor shopping center in Boulder, Colorado, where protesters gathered on Sunday to commemorate the Israeli hostages in Gaza.
The FBI and law enforcement are investigating six people, aged 67 to 88, were injured in an attack in the busy Pearl Street Mall area, at 1.30 p.m. local time (7.30 GMT).
“We are aware of and fully investigated the targeted terrorist attacks in Boulder, Colorado,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Mark Michalek, an agent in charge of the Denver Field Office, said the victims were taken to hospitals, many of whom suffered burns.
“Because of these preliminary facts, it is obvious that this is a targeted act of violence and the FBI is investigating it as an act of terrorism,” he said.
The suspect was identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who was arrested at the scene and police nailed him to the ground when they saw him arrest him. He was later taken to the hospital.
Seeing the shirtless man yelling in his hands with a transparent spray bottle
Video after the attack showed Mr Soriman paving the fire on the burning grass in front of him, wearing sunglasses and holding a clear spray bottle.
He yelled “Zionists,” “Palestine freedom,” and “they are killers,” when they leaned towards a man lying on the ground.
At one point, he faced onlookers, including one, saying, “He was spraying and drinking…he was making a Molotov cocktail.”
Other videos show people lying motionless on the ground as bystanders rush to stuff them into the water.
Credits: x via @missnundrground
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said police drove to the scene after receiving reports of arson attacks from the reporter.
“The initial caller indicated that there was a man with a weapon and that people were on fire,” he said.
“When we arrived we encountered several injured victims, the injuries were consistent with burns and other injuries.”
Popular pedestrian shopping malls are known for attracting tourists and college students.
Demonstrators from volunteer groups campaigned for their lives, including members of the Jewish community, called for the release of Israeli hostages left in Gaza.
Mr Redfield said police are investigating whether the protesters were targeted.
“There is a group of pro-Israel people in a peaceful demonstration that I wouldn’t even call it a protest. I believe [the demonstration] It happens often here. ” he said.
“We are looking for and actively interviewing victims and witnesses to determine if this group is targeted or someone else.”
Police blocked the area – Shutterstock Editorial
Although Ms. Patel and Gov. Jared Polis both called Sunday an act of terror, Redfearn refused to call the incident a terrorist attack.
“At present, we don’t call it a terrorist attack,” Redfin said.
“It’s too early. I now speculate that it’s irresponsible in terms of motivation and other things.”
People were told to evacuate the area due to “active events.”
Mr. Polis said in a statement that he was “closely monitoring” the situation, adding that “an act of hatred of any kind is unacceptable”.
He wrote on X: “I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder and my mind is directed to those who are hurt and affected by this outrageous act of horror.
“Although detailed, the state works with local and federal law enforcement to support this investigation. More information will be provided.”
The Anti-Defamation League of Jewish radical groups said on X that it “aware of reports on Boulder’s campaign for their lives today.”
The group said the event was a “weekly meeting of Jewish community members to run/walking to support hostages” who were caught in Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering the war in Gaza.
After the attack, law enforcement officers who protect equipment investigated – AP
Israeli ambassador to the United Nations in New York, Danny Danon condemned the attack.
“Terrorism against Jews has not stopped at the Gaza border – it is already burning the streets of the United States,” he said in a statement.
“Today, in Boulder, Colorado, Jews marched with moral and humane demands: return to hostages. In response, Jewish protesters were brutal assaulted, and one attacker threw a Molotov cocktail at them.”
“No doubt – this is not political protest, it is terrorism.”
The attack happened a week after two Israeli embassy staff were shot and killed when they left behind a reception for diplomats near the Jewish Museum in Washington.
Elias Rodriguez, 30, was arrested after allegedly shooting Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who will soon be engaged.
He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. He was also charged with murdering foreign officials, causing death with guns and releasing guns on violent charges.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive apps, currency savings and more, free 1 month of telegram.
