This is a developing story. It was last updated at 10:57 p.m. on June 1. See our previous reporting earlier on June 1 here. For June 2 updates, follow our live updates.
Federal and local officials on Sunday night confirmed that eight people were injured — one critically — after an antisemitic attack targeting a peaceful gathering for the weekly Run for Their Lives march in downtown Boulder. The FBI has identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman of El Paso County and is investigating the assault as an act of terrorism.
“This is a targeted act of violence,” said Mark Michalek, FBI Denver’s special agent in charge, during a press conference Sunday evening. “The FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism.”
The Run for Their Lives event, raising awareness for hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, has taken place weekly on Pearl Street. Witnesses reported that during Sunday’s gathering, the suspect used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd. “The suspect was heard to yell, ‘Free Palestine,’ during the attack,” Michaelek said.
The victims, four women and four men, range in age from 52 to 88. Several were transported to Boulder Community Health, while at least two were airlifted to a burn unit in the Denver metro area. One is reportedly in critical condition. The victims’ names have not been released.
“The last update I had is that at least one victim was very seriously injured, probably safe to say, critical condition, and then other victims received more minor injuries,” said Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn during the evening press conference. “I think there’s a wide range”
Redfearn described the scene as chaotic. “When this call came out today, our officers rushed as quickly as they could somewhere close to the area,” he said. “And they immediately ran into a chaotic situation where a man was throwing Molotov cocktails and using other devices to hurt people.”
Officers took the suspect into custody and began rendering aid. “I’m very proud of our response today,” Redfearn said, also praising the fire department and EMS partners.
As of Sunday evening, multiple city blocks remained cordoned off as investigators processed the area. “We are still clearing that area for devices,” Redfearn said. “We want to be reasonably sure as best as we can before we open the area [and] let people go back there to businesses to get their vehicles, that it is as safe as possible.”
The Boulder County Courthouse will be closed Monday. Redfearn added that police will deploy additional resources to public events in the coming days to reassure community members. “We urge people to call 911, call us if they see suspicious behavior, if they see someone that’s acting in a manner that appears to be suspicious,” Redfearn said.
Authorities said they have no evidence of additional suspects. “We do not believe that there is an additional suspect at large,” Redfearn said. “We’re fairly confident we have the lone suspect in custody.”
The Jewish holiday of Shavuot began at sunset on Sunday, a time traditionally marked by late-night study, prayer and community gatherings. Most of the victims in the Boulder attack were members of a local synagogue.
Rep. Joe Neguse said he is “horrified by the heinous act of terror,” noting the timing.
“Tonight, as many prepare to mark the Shavuot holiday, our Jewish community has been subjected to yet another brutal and horrific act of violence,” he said in a statement. “The scourge of antisemitism has metastasized across our country, and we must do more — now — to stop this hatred and violence.”
Mayor Aaron Brockett said he was saddened and outraged by the attack.
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families and all who were impacted by this tragic incident,” Brockett wrote on X. “I want to be clear that violence and hatred have no place here. Attacks like these seek to strike terror in people’s hearts and divide us from one another, but Boulder will stand strong together.”
Boulder’s representatives at the state legislature condemned the attack. Several thanked first responders and said their thoughts were with the victims, their families and the Jewish community.
“Divisive, hateful rhetoric must stop,” Sen. Judy Amabile wrote in a statement. “We all must commit to peace and safety in both our words and our actions. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this tragedy. Boulder is resilient, and we will stand united against violence in all its forms.”
Rep. Junie Joseph said she was heartbroken. “Today’s attack is not just an assault on individuals — it is an assault on the very values of inclusion, freedom and humanity that bind us together,” she wrote in a statement. “We stand together against hate in all its forms.”
State Rep. Lesley Smith said she was devastated. “Although we are resilient, these heinous acts take a grave toll on our collective sense of safety and community,” she wrote.
Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty said his office is working closely with federal prosecutors to determine the appropriate charges.
“In the coming days, decisions will be made about what charges to file and where,” he said at the press conference. “Most importantly is we are fully united — 100% — in making sure the charges we bring hold the attacker fully accountable.”
Officials urged the public to submit any photos, videos or information.
“If you have digital evidence, whether that is video or social media posts or anything that can help the investigators, please send that to fbi.gov/boulderattack,” Michalek said.
Unbelievably tragic.