Crime
Suspect in Boulder Pearl Street Mall Attack Identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman
BOULDER, CO — Authorities have identified the suspect arrested in connection with the violent attack on peaceful demonstrators in downtown Boulder as Mohamed Sabry Soliman.
The incident, which took place Sunday afternoon at the Pearl Street Mall, is being investigated as a targeted terrorist attack by both federal and local law enforcement.
According to preliminary reports and witness statements, Soliman disguised himself as a landscaper before launching Molotov cocktails at participants of a pro-Israel solidarity walk, seriously injuring several individuals, including children.
The attack occurred near the Boulder County Courthouse, located at 13th and Pearl Streets.
The FBI, Boulder Police Department, and multiple emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. Witnesses reported chaos as the incendiary devices ignited flames in the crowd.
Some victims sustained burn injuries, with authorities confirming that the injuries range from minor to life-threatening.
One individual was seen being placed on a stretcher, and the area in front of the courthouse was visibly scarred by fire.
“We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Our agents and local law enforcement partners are on scene, and we will share updates as more information becomes available.” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also confirmed the bureau’s active role in the investigation, categorizing the incident as a deliberate act of terrorism.
The attack took place during a scheduled event organized by Run For Their Lives, a group advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
The organization clarified that the gathering was a peaceful walk, not a protest. The participants had met at 1:00 p.m. at Pearl Street and 8th Street, walking through the length of the mall and stopping at the courthouse for a moment of reflection and a group video.
Emergency services have cordoned off the 1200, 1300, and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street between Walnut and Pine Streets. Boulder Police issued an urgent advisory at 3:08 p.m., stating, “PLEASE AVOID THIS AREA.” Authorities are also investigating a vehicle of interest that may be linked to the attack.
Photographs submitted by witnesses show the suspect, believed to be Soliman, shirtless and being detained by police shortly after the attack.
Law enforcement has not released additional information regarding potential accomplices or the motive behind the attack.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI or Boulder Police Department.
SPENCER, OKLAHOMA — Authorities have confirmed that a 17-year-old student was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon following a violent altercation near Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma.
According to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded shortly after an altercation broke out among a group of juveniles near the intersection of Northeast 34th Street and Spencer Road.
During the confrontation, one of the individuals reportedly produced a firearm and opened fire, striking a male teenager.
Emergency personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The victim was later identified by Oklahoma City Public Schools officials as 17-year-old Sebastian Guyton, a student at Star Spencer High School.
Following the shooting, law enforcement initiated a search of the area. One suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, though authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the individual’s identity or potential charges.
As a precaution, several nearby schools were placed on temporary lockdown while officers secured the area.
Classes at Star Spencer High School have been canceled for the remainder of the week in light of the tragedy.
In a statement released Wednesday, Star Spencer High School officials expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their student:
“Please help keep our Bobcat family and friends in your thoughts during this very difficult time,” the statement read.
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.