Suspect in Boulder 'targeted terror attack' named, six in hospital

Six people were injured on Sunday in what the FBI immediately described as a "targeted terror attack" at an outdoor mall in Boulder, Colorado, where a group had gathered to raise attention to Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, yelled "Free Palestine" and used a makeshift flamethrower in the attack, said Mark Michalek, the special agent in charge of the Denver field office.

Soliman was taken into custody.

No charges were immediately announced but officials said they expect to hold him "fully accountable".

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Soliman was also injured and was taken to the hospital to be treated, but authorities didn't elaborate on the nature of his injuries.

Video from the scene showed a witness shouting, "He's right there. He's throwing Molotov cocktails," as a police officer with his gun drawn advanced on a bare-chested suspect with containers in each hand.

Police Chief Stephen Redfearn earlier told reporters that it was too early to discuss a motive but that witnesses were being interviewed.

"It would be irresponsible for me to speculate on motive this early on," he said.

However, the FBI has said they are treating the incident as an antisemitic terror attack.

"This attack happened at a regularly scheduled, weekly, peaceful event," FBI Special Agent In Charge Mark Michalek said at a press conference.

"Witnesses are reporting that the subject used a makeshift flame-thrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd. The suspect was heard to yell, 'Free Palestine!' during the attack."

The man threw bottles that apparently contained flammable liquid that hit the ground and exploded in flames, multiple law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation told CNN, noting the exact number of bottles was unclear.

Six people, aged 67 to 88, have been taken to hospital.

Redfearn said one was understood to be in a critical condition, with others receiving "more minor" injuries.

Redfearn said a large area of the town remained locked down as law enforcement swept the area for devices and checked a "vehicle of interest".

US President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident, according to the White House.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, echoed the FBI in labelling the incident as "terrorism" and urged concrete global action.

"The time for statements is over," he said.

"It is time for concrete action to be taken against the instigators wherever they may be."

"We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available," FBI director Kash Patel said in a social media post Sunday.

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The National Counterterrorism Center is working with the FBI and local law enforcement, according to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

FBI personnel are at the scene along with local law enforcement, according to FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.

"We are investigating this incident as an act of terror, and targeted violence," Bongino posted to social media.

"All of the necessary assets will be dedicated to this investigation."

FBI agents and federal prosecutors are currently reviewing the circumstances of the incident to determine whether the individual will be charged with terrorism or under other possible federal criminal statutes, the source said.

The source stressed potential mental health concerns have not yet been ruled out, which could factor into any charging decision.

Boulder Police said they were evacuating several blocks of the typically popular pedestrian mall area, saying that there were "several victims" in the attack without providing further details.

The reported attack took place at the Boulder Run for Their Lives event, the Anti-Defamation League said on social media.

The weekly gathering of Jewish community members is meant to support the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023.

The incident happened ahead of the holiday of Shavuot, according to the ADL – a Jewish holiday which celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai.

"We are saddened and heartbroken to learn that an incendiary device was thrown at walkers at the Run for Their Lives walk on Pearl Street as they were raising awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza," Boulder's Jewish community said in a joint statement to CNN.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a statement that he was "closely monitoring" the situation, adding that "hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable."