Police in the United States have arrested a male suspect after at least six people were wounded at an outdoor mall in the town of Boulder, Colorado, in an incident the FBI immediately described as a “targeted terror attack”.
The assault took place on Sunday as demonstrators with a volunteer group called Run For Their Lives gathered to raise attention to the plight of the Israeli captives who remain in Gaza.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, yelled “Free Palestine” and used a makeshift flamethrower in the attack, according to Mark Michalek, an FBI special agent.
Soliman was taken into custody.
No charges were immediately announced but officials said they expect to hold him “fully accountable”.
Soliman was also injured and was taken to the hospital to be treated, but authorities did not elaborate on the nature of his injuries.
Police in Boulder were more circumspect about a motive.
Police Chief Steve Redfearn said it “would be irresponsible” for him to speculate while witnesses were still being interviewed. But he noted that the group that had gathered in support of the captives had assembled peacefully and that injuries of the victims – ranging from serious to minor – were consistent with them having been set on fire.
“This was a beautiful Sunday afternoon in downtown Boulder on Pearl Street and this act was unacceptable,” Redfearn added. “I ask that you join me in thinking about the victims, the families of those victims, and everyone involved in this tragedy.”
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