BOULDER, Colo. (KKTV) – A total of eight individuals have been hurt following an assault close to a well-known shopping center in Boulder.
The Boulder police stated that they attended an incident close to the Pearl Street Mall on Sunday after receiving reports of individuals being set on fire. Although the exact number of those affected was unclear, multiple victims were transported to hospitals with injuries varying from slight to critical.
The FBI subsequently verified that eight individuals were injured, their ages spanning between 67 and 88 years. The bureau stated that the attacker employed an improvised flamethrower along with an incendiary device identified as a Molotov cocktail by the Boulder police. It is said that prior to the incident, the assailant shouted “Free Palestine.”
The suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, stated the FBI.
Much of the region was forced to evacuate as law enforcement indicated they were working alongside federal agencies to ensure safety and conduct their probe.
At approximately 8 p.m., the FBI stated that they had also arrived at a site within El Paso County to carry out court-approved law enforcement actions linked to the incident in Boulder; however, they did not disclose the specific location.
FBI Director Kash Patel characterized this incident as a “terrorist attack,” stating that FBI agents were present at the scene along with local police forces. Subsequently, the FBI verified that they were treating the investigation as one involving a deliberate terrorist action.
The Boulder police originally stated that they were still trying to determine the perpetrator’s motivation.
We recognize that there are significant tensions currently and numerous concerns across the United States and beyond,” stated the Boulder police. “Upon identifying a clear motive, our response will be adjusted as necessary. If the motivation turns out to involve a specific group being targeted, we will certainly enhance security measures and increase our visibility. Our aim is to make sure everyone feels secure regardless of their reason for being here.
Governor Jared Polis also addressed this on social media, reacting to the assault.
I’m keeping a close eye on what’s happening in Boulder, and I extend my sympathies to those hurt and affected by this atrocious terrorist attack. Any form of hateful behavior is completely intolerable. As more facts come to light, authorities at the state level are collaborating with local and federal law enforcement agencies to aid in the investigation. Further updates will follow once additional information is obtained.
Governor Jared Polis from the state of Colorado
The Colorado Attorney General, Phil Weiser, labeled the assault as a hate crime and issued the subsequent statement:
My thoughts are with the individuals who were hurt and affected by this morning’s assault on a group that gathers every week at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall to advocate for the liberation of hostages in Gaza.
Based on our information, this incident seems to be a hate crime due to the specific group that was targeted. I’ve communicated with Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty and have extended an offer of assistance from the Attorney General’s Office.
People might hold different opinions regarding global affairs and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, yet resorting to violence should never be an option for resolving disputes. Hatred does not belong in Colorado. Everyone has the right to peacefully gather and express their viewpoints freely. However, these increasingly common, bold, and proximate acts of violence need to cease immediately, and those responsible for such terrible deeds must face full accountability.
The Colorado Attorney General, Phil Weiser
While authorities look into the reason behind the incident, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller mentioned that the individual involved in this case was not lawfully present in the country.
This story is still evolving, and we’ll provide updates to this article as new details emerge.
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