Crime
Suspect in Pearl Street Mall Attack Seen Holding Molotov Cocktails Moments Before Incident
BOULDER, CO – Federal and local law enforcement are investigating a violent attack at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall that left multiple people injured on Sunday afternoon. Authorities confirm that the suspect was seen holding Molotov cocktails shortly before the incident.
The attack occurred near the intersection of 13th Street and Pearl Street, prompting a large emergency response and immediate evacuation of the 1200, 1300, and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street, between Walnut and Pine Streets.
Boulder Police issued an urgent message at 3:08 p.m., advising the public to avoid the area while officers secured the scene.
According to eyewitnesses and preliminary reports, the suspect targeted participants of a peaceful solidarity walk organized by Run For Their Lives — a group advocating for the release of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza.
The walk had begun around 1:00 p.m. at Pearl and 8th Streets and was intended to be a non-political, silent demonstration of support.
Participants stopped briefly at the courthouse to record a video before the violence broke out.
Video footage from the scene shows a visible burn scar in front of the historic courthouse and emergency responders loading at least one injured individual onto a stretcher.
A shirtless male, believed to be the attacker, was detained by police on-site.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the federal agency is treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. “We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado,” Patel said in a statement. “Our agents are working closely with local law enforcement, and we will provide updates as the investigation progresses.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed Patel’s statement, noting that agents arrived at the scene by mid-afternoon and are taking an active role in the investigation.
As of now, the number of injured victims has not been officially confirmed, and the motive remains under investigation.
Authorities continue to urge the public to stay clear of the area while emergency crews and investigators work the active scene.
More details will be released as they become available.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.