Executive Summary:
- On Sunday, 01 June 2025, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, allegedly threw an improvised incendiary device at a group that had assembled at Boulder, Colorado’s Pearl Street Mall.
- The Boulder, Colorado incident occurred barely a week after the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers outside of a Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.
- The attack has prompted increased security across the US.
- An increased security presence is likely around synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other faith-based institutions.
- Individuals and organizations concerned with political or religiously motivated violence should consider contacting RMS International’s Intelligence Services at ask@rmsiusa.com to develop a customized and resilient risk assessment
On Sunday, 01 June 2025, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, allegedly threw an improvised incendiary device at a group that had assembled at Boulder, Colorado’s Pearl Street Mall. The group, part of the “Run for their Lives” organization was attempting to raise attention for Israeli hostages in Gaza. Law enforcement officials report Soliman yelled “Free Palestine” as he threw the incendiary projectile. The suspect, who is believed to have acted alone, is in custody and is being held in the Boulder County jail and faces multiple felony charges,including one count of explosives or incendiary devices used during a felony and two counts of first-degree murder. The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Counterterrorism Center are investigating the incident as a terrorist act. The FBI was seen investigating the suspects apartment near Constitution and Marksheffel as part of “court-authorized law enforcement activity related to the attack.” The attack, which resulted in the injuries of at least eight people, took place on the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
The suspect, Soliman, is an Egyptian national who entered the US two years ago and overstayed his visa before applying for asylum. Soliman attempted to hide behind some bushes after the initial attack and reemerged to throw a second “Molotov cocktail,” accidentally lighting himself on fire. The suspect then took off his shirt and was reportedly seen wearing a bulletproof vest before police arrived. Soliman was arrested without any apparent resistance from law enforcement officials. He is currently being held on a $10 million bond.
Impact Analysis and Recommended Course of Action:
The Boulder, Colorado incident occurred barely a week after the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers outside of a Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. The most recent attack in Boulder, Colorado has prompted increased security across the US. The New York Police Department has increased its presence at religious sites throughout the city for the duration of Shavuot. The greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area has increased patrols, particularly around synagogues and faith-based institutions. The mayor of Los Angeles has called for an emergency meeting to discuss security and has increased police patrols at houses of worship and community centers.
Many Jewish community groups have scheduled religious and cultural events, such as candle lightings, holiday meals, and Torah reading sessions to commemorate the holiday. Celebrations maybe muted or require additional security measures in the wake of two deadly incidents targeting members of the Jewish community. An increased security presence is likely around synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other faith-based institutions. Such organizations, and businesses neighboring them should consider enhanced security procedures and asset hardening measures for the duration of the religious holiday. Individuals and organizations concerned with political or religiously motivated violence should consider contacting RMS International’s Intelligence Services at ask@rmsiusa.com to develop a customized and resilient risk assessment and to learn asset hardening measures to protect your organization, assets, personnel, operations and reputation.
About RMS International:
Founded in 2012, RMS International provides ad hoc and contracted close protection, estate security, international travel management, corporate executive protection, personnel and asset security, and discreet investigative services. Operating a state-of-the-art Risk Operations Center in West Palm Beach, they provide 24/7 overwatch of global operations in Asia, Europe, Africa and throughout the Americas. RMS International delivers peace of mind in a chaotic world. Connect with us at RMSIUSA.com
