Pro-Israel Rally Attack in Boulder
Boulder, Colorado – During a pro-Israel rally on Sunday afternoon, a man described witnessing a shocking incident involving a bombing. Alex Osante, a tourist from San Diego, recounted the frightful scene in an interview. “I was right in the front row, the center of this terrible event,” he said. “The attacker threw a Molotov cocktail, setting five people ablaze. One individual was engulfed in flames, while the others suffered serious burns. It was heartbreaking to see.”
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is the individual believed to be responsible for the attack at Pearl Street Mall. He was in the US on an expired work visa.
Osante explained that he and other witnesses immediately called first responders and assisted the victims, although, at first, they were unsure about what had really happened. There was a fear it could turn into a mass shooting or something even worse.
After reviewing video footage of the event, Osante felt overwhelmed by what he had seen. He described the assailant as emerging from the bushes, wearing a yellow vest. “He threw a Molotov cocktail at a woman, which ignited. After that, he retreated, removed what seemed like a bulletproof vest, and then went back into the bushes to retrieve more weapons,” he recounted.
Osante, who has traveled to 87 countries, called the incident “the craziest and most horrifying experience” of his life. He returned to the location the following day, wanting to see it in a “normal state.” He noted, though, that it was heartening to witness people from various backgrounds coming together to help, offering water and support while ensuring everyone was safe.
Supporters of Israel had gathered for the event that day, with victims of the attack ranging from ages 52 to 88, one of whom was critically injured.
As for Soliman, he was charged with several severe offenses, including first-degree murder and the use of explosive devices during a felony. His entry into the United States dates back to August 2022 on a non-immigrant visa that expired the following February. He had received a temporary work permit valid until March of this year, but had remained in the country illegally at the time of the attack.
Currently, Soliman awaits trial in Boulder County Jail, with bail set at $10 million.
