A peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, turned violent on Sunday when 45-year-old Mohammed Sabri Solomon allegedly attacked a crowd with a makeshift flamethrower. The group had gathered at a pedestrian mall to call for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
What Happened?
Authorities say Solomon shouted “Free Palestine” before using the flamethrower and throwing an incendiary device into the crowd. Eight people, aged 52 to 88, were injured in the attack. The FBI has labeled the incident an act of terrorism.
Suspect’s Immigration Status
According to officials, Solomon entered the U.S. in August 2022 on a temporary visa, which expired in February 2023. However, he was granted a work authorization visa by the Biden administration, valid until March 2024. Critics argue that the attack was preventable if immigration enforcement had acted on his overstayed visa.
Reactions to the Attack
The incident has drawn condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum:
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis: “Hate is unacceptable in Colorado, and I condemn this act of terror.”
- House Speaker Mike Johnson: “We cannot and will not let terrorist sympathizers silence Jewish people and their supporters.”
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer: “Anti-Semitism has no place in America.”
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Anti-Semitic attacks are a direct result of false accusations against Israel and must be stopped.”
Security Concerns Grow
The attack has heightened fears within the Jewish community. In response, the New York Police Department has increased security at religious sites.
Expert Analysis
Rebecca Heinrichs, a national security analyst, emphasized the need for stricter immigration enforcement and a cultural shift to combat rising anti-Semitism. “We must ensure Jewish students and citizens feel safe,” she said. “This attack underscores the importance of preventing individuals with hateful ideologies from entering or remaining in the country.”
Broader Context
This attack follows other incidents targeting Jewish communities, fueling concerns about the spread of anti-Semitism in the U.S. Leaders are urging a united effort to combat hate speech and violence while protecting freedom of speech.