Boulder Terror Attack Witness Describes 'Horrific' Scene at Pro-Israel Rally

A horrific attack unfolded on Sunday afternoon at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, leaving bystanders and participants shaken after a man reportedly firebombed the crowd with Molotov cocktails. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and terror as the assailant, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, targeted attendees during a peaceful event organized to raise awareness about Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Alex Osante, a tourist from San Diego who witnessed the incident firsthand, recounted the gruesome events. “I was right here… front row and center to this horrific event,” Osante said. “The man threw a Molotov cocktail and lit five people on fire. One of the persons was lit head to toe, and the other four people were severely burned. It was really sad. Very sad.” The attack left victims ranging in age from 52 to 88, with at least one person in critical condition.

According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect emerged from nearby bushes wearing a yellow vest and shirt, armed with incendiary devices in both hands. Osante recalled, “He threw a Molotov cocktail at a woman, but when he threw the Molotov cocktail, he lit himself on fire. After he lit himself on fire, he came back, he took off his vest, which looked like a bulletproof vest, and the shirt.” The attacker retreated, only to return with more explosives, surveying the chaotic aftermath as bystanders rushed to help the victims.

The rapid response of those present, regardless of background or ethnicity, was noted by Osante, who emphasized the unity and bravery that emerged in the face of violence. “The good thing about it was that people from all different backgrounds and cultures and ethnicities came together as quickly as possible so they could help provide water and treatment and call 911,” he said, reflecting on the efforts to restore order and comfort the injured as authorities responded to the unfolding crisis.

Authorities confirmed that the assailant, Soliman, is an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa and was in the United States illegally at the time of the attack. After initially arriving in August 2022 on a non-immigrant visa that expired in February 2023, Soliman remained in the country, obtaining a work permit that later lapsed. Officials have charged him federally with a hate crime, and he faces a long list of state charges in Colorado, including first-degree attempted murder, assault, use of explosives during a felony, and crimes against at-risk adults and the elderly.

The defendant remains in custody at the Boulder County Jail on a $10 million bond as investigators continue to probe the motives behind the attack. Law enforcement sources have indicated that Soliman showed signs of radicalization prior to Sunday’s incident, raising further questions about how he was able to remain in the U.S. and acquire materials for the attack.

The pro-Israel rally, part of the Run for Their Lives initiative, was intended to be a peaceful demonstration of solidarity and remembrance. In the aftermath of the violence, participants and community members have expressed both grief over the attack and gratitude for the spontaneous acts of heroism by strangers caught in the crossfire. As Boulder recovers, the resilience and unity shown in the moments after the blast have become a symbol of hope amid tragedy.