In the quiet city of Boulder, Colorado, a peaceful gathering turned into a nightmare on a Sunday afternoon. People had come together at the Pearl Street pedestrian mall to remember Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Suddenly, a man stormed in, shouting and carrying bottles filled with liquid. What happened next shocked the nation: he attacked the crowd with firebombs and a makeshift flamethrower, leaving six people—mostly elderly women—badly injured. But amid the chaos, there were stories of bravery from ordinary citizens. This article explores whether the attacker was actually confronted by regular people and what that means for communities facing violence.
What Happened in Boulder?
On June 1, 2025, a group called Run for Their Lives—Boulder was holding its regular walk to raise awareness for Israeli hostages. The event was peaceful until a 45-year-old man, later identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, appeared. According to witnesses and video footage, Soliman shouted phrases like “End Zionists!” and “Free Palestine!” before using firebombs and a homemade flamethrower to attack the crowd. Six people, all between 67 and 88 years old, were rushed to the hospital with serious burns. The attacker was quickly arrested by police, but the scene was chaotic.
Were Ordinary Citizens Involved?
Eyewitnesses and viral videos show that after the attack, ordinary people did not just run away. Some stepped up to help the victims. Brooke Coffman, a 19-year-old university student, saw the fire and ran toward it. She described seeing women rolling on the ground, trying to put out the flames on their clothes and legs. Others nearby brought water to help cool the burns and comfort the injured. One woman was so badly burned that she was wrapped in a flag by someone nearby.
There are also reports that some people confronted the attacker before police arrived. In one video, Soliman is seen standing shirtless, holding a bottle, and being shouted at by members of the public. It is not clear from the footage if anyone physically tried to stop him, but the video does show that people did not stay silent. Instead, they yelled at him and tried to keep him at a distance until law enforcement showed up.
Why Is This Important?
When something terrible happens, stories of bravery and quick thinking matter. They show that even in the face of danger, people can help each other. In Boulder, ordinary citizens did not just watch—they tried to help the victims and even confronted the attacker. This is important because it shows that communities can come together in crisis.
Some people might wonder if it is safe to confront someone who is armed or dangerous. Experts usually say that the best thing to do is to stay safe and call for help. But in this case, the quick actions of bystanders helped comfort the victims and may have stopped the situation from getting worse.
What Does This Mean for Us?
This attack is scary, but it also shows that people care about each other. The victims were strangers to most of the people who helped them, but that did not stop the helpers. This kind of kindness and courage is important, especially when hate and violence try to divide us.
It is also important to remember that not everyone will react the same way in a crisis. Some people might freeze, some might run, and some might try to help. All of these reactions are normal. What matters is that, in the end, people came together to help those in need.
The Bigger Picture
The FBI and local police are still investigating the attack. They say it was a “targeted terror attack” because the victims were part of a group supporting Israeli hostages. The suspect shouted political slogans, but police say it is too early to know his exact motive. The important thing is that the law will hold him accountable.
For the rest of us, this story is a reminder that even in dark times, there is light. The bravery of ordinary citizens in Boulder shows that people can make a difference. Whether it is by helping a stranger, calling for help, or just being kind, every action counts.
Final Thoughts
The attack in Boulder was a tragedy, but it also brought out the best in some people. Ordinary citizens did confront the attacker, at least with their voices, and many more stepped up to help the victims. This shows that even when things seem hopeless, there is always hope in the kindness and courage of others. As the investigation continues, we should remember to support each other and stand against hate, no matter where it comes from.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
