A man who witnessed the firebombing that left 12 injured at a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, described the nightmarish scene where the attack occurred. Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday afternoon, became the site of a horrifying attack during a pro-Israel rally. Alex Osante, a tourist from San Diego, recounted the incident in an interview with Fox News Digital, detailing the chaos and brutality of the event.
“I was right here… front row and center to this horrific event,” Osante said, emphasizing that the attack was a terrifying experience. He described the suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national in the United States illegally on an expired work visa, as the perpetrator. According to Osante, Soliman used Molotov cocktails to set five people on fire, including one who was completely burned from head to toe, and others suffering severe burns. The incident has left numerous victims in critical condition, including a person aged 52 to 88 years old.
The attack occurred at the Pearl Street Mall during a pro-Israel event aimed at raising awareness about the situation of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. This tragic event has sparked a wide range of reactions and discussions, with many expressing concern over the safety of public gatherings, the potential for hate crimes, and the broader implications of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The suspect, who has been charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and other serious offenses, remains in the Boulder County Jail on a $10 million bond.
Authorities are investigating the suspect’s potential radicalization, noting that he showed signs of growing ‘lone-wolf’ radicalization according to a former FBI supervisor. The incident has also prompted calls for increased security measures at public events, particularly those with a political or social focus, to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Osante, with his extensive travel experience across 87 countries, emphasized that despite the horror, the community’s quick response in helping the victims is a positive aspect of the event.
Furthermore, the event highlighted the complex emotions and tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as it brought together people from various backgrounds to support a common cause. However, the attack has raised questions about the safety and security of such gatherings and the potential for radicalization, even in seemingly peaceful settings. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by hate crimes and the importance of vigilance in protecting public spaces.