On Sunday, June 1, 2025, a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, was violently disrupted when a man attacked participants with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower. The event, known as “Run for Their Lives,” aimed to raise awareness for hostages held by Hamas. The assailant, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national residing illegally in the U.S., was apprehended at the scene. The “poor man’s grenade,” were used to injure several demonstrators—an act now being investigated as domestic terrorism by the FBI.
Molotov cocktails: A weapon of the desperate
Molotov cocktails are homemade firebombs typically made from a glass bottle filled with flammable liquid—usually gasoline or alcohol—with a rag stuffed into the mouth, acting as a fuse. When ignited and thrown, the bottle shatters on impact, spreading fire rapidly.
This cheap and accessible weapon has been used in uprisings, urban warfare, and street protests globally. Its notoriety dates back to World War II when Finnish fighters used them against Soviet tanks. Due to its simplicity, it remains a favored tool among insurgents, rioters, and extremist individuals even today.
The Colorado attack: What happened
On June 1, 2025, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly threw Molotov cocktails and used a makeshift flamethrower on a group participating in the “Run for Their Lives” rally—an event meant to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Eight people, mostly seniors, were injured—some severely. Witnesses claim the attacker shouted “Free Palestine” while launching the assault. Soliman, an Egyptian national reportedly living illegally in the U.S., was arrested on the scene and now faces multiple federal charges, including attempted murder.
FBI labels it domestic terror
Federal authorities are treating the act as politically motivated domestic terrorism. While investigations into Soliman’s motives and connections continue, law enforcement officials warn of rising threats linked to international conflicts spilling into U.S. streets.
Broader implications
The attack has raised alarms about public safety, hate-motivated violence, and the vulnerabilities of open gatherings. It also highlights the persistent risk posed by low-tech, high-impact weapons like Molotov cocktails in acts of political extremism or terrorism.
As federal agents delve deeper into Soliman’s background, the case underscores a chilling reality: even crude weapons can wreak havoc when driven by ideology.
