Today's News: Antisemitic Terror Attack at Pro-Israel Rally in Boulder, Colorado
A violent attack at a weekly Jewish-led pro-hostage demonstration left multiple people injured when a man used Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower while shouting “Free Palestine.”
Photo: Michael Ciaglo for The New York Times
Overview
Date: June 1–2, 2025
Topic: Antisemitic Terror Attack at Pro-Israel Rally in Boulder, Colorado
Summary: A violent attack at a weekly Jewish-led pro-hostage demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, left multiple people injured when a man, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, used Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower against participants while shouting “Free Palestine.” Authorities charged Soliman with a federal hate crime and are investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. The attack follows a pattern of antisemitic incidents linked to tensions over the Gaza conflict. Media and political leaders highlighted the attack’s implications for domestic security, immigration enforcement, and the rise of politically motivated antisemitism in the U.S.
Sources
The New York Times – After Several Attacks, Heightened Anxiety Among American Jews
The Washington Post – Suspect in Colorado attack on Israeli hostage event charged with hate crime
The Wall Street Journal – Suspect in Colorado Incendiary Attack Charged With Federal Hate Crime
Key Points
Mohamed Sabry Soliman carried out a premeditated attack on a peaceful Jewish-organized demonstration supporting Israeli hostages, using homemade incendiary weapons.
The FBI and DOJ are treating the incident as a federal hate crime and an act of terrorism; Soliman is charged at both the state and federal levels.
Soliman overstayed a tourist visa and had previously filed for asylum, prompting renewed scrutiny of immigration enforcement.
Authorities recovered numerous unlit Molotov cocktails and evidence of online planning and ideological motivation targeting “Zionist” individuals.
Victims included elderly individuals, one of whom is a Holocaust survivor; multiple people sustained serious burn injuries.
Jewish organizations cite this and other recent incidents as evidence of rising antisemitism tied to political unrest over the Gaza conflict.
National political figures responded quickly, using the event to highlight differing immigration and security policy positions.
Unique Highlights
CNN revealed that Soliman had researched Molotov cocktails on YouTube and used a weed sprayer filled with gasoline and xylene.
The New York Times connected the Boulder attack with recent incidents, including the arson at Pennsylvania’s governor’s mansion and a D.C. embassy shooting, and noted a broader pattern of left-wing antisemitic violence.
NBC News cited the local sheriff’s office listing possible first-degree murder charges despite no confirmed deaths.
The Washington Post detailed Soliman’s Uber employment history and provided additional context on asylum law nuances.
Fox News uniquely showed video footage of the FBI raid and focused heavily on Soliman’s immigration status and family notes found in his home.
The Wall Street Journal reported that three victims remained hospitalized, one of whom was fully engulfed in flames.
Contrasting Details
Victim Count: Most sources reported eight victims, but The Washington Post updated the number to twelve.
Immigration Status Framing: Fox News and NBC News referred to Soliman as an “illegal immigrant,” while The Washington Post clarified his asylum filing gave him lawful presence despite an expired visa.
Attack Motive Emphasis: The New York Times highlighted concerns of antisemitism linked to progressive activism, while CNN and NBC News focused more on Soliman’s tactical preparation and execution.
Legal Charges: CNN and NBC News noted possible murder charges not yet supported by confirmed fatalities; The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post emphasized the broader hate crime and terrorism designations.
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