n June 1, 2025, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national residing illegally in the U.S., threw Molotov cocktails at a pro-Israel rally on Pearl Street, injuring at least 15 people. Soliman reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during the assault and had planned the attack for over a year. He faces 118 charges, including federal hate crimes and attempted murder

The incident has deepened ideological rifts within Boulder’s progressive community. While most city council members condemned the attack as anti-Semitic, Councilmember Taisha Adams declined to support the city’s statement, arguing it overlooked anti-Zionism as a contributing factor. Her stance has drawn criticism and a recall petition.

The city council has faced pressure from pro-Palestinian activists to adopt a ceasefire resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, it has refrained from taking a stance, citing a city code provision limiting action on foreign issues.