Boulder terror attack: What is a Molotov Cocktail seen in the video of the alleged suspect?

On June 1, a violent incident unfolded in Boulder, Colorado, during a peaceful pro-Israel rally known as "Run For Their Lives." The event, held at the Pearl Street Mall, aimed to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Tragically, the rally was disrupted when a man, later identified as Mohammed Soliman, allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at participants, causing multiple injuries, including severe burns. The suspect was apprehended at the scene, and the FBI is investigating the incident as a targeted terror attack.


What happened in Boulder?

According to reports, the suspect, described as bare-chested and carrying containers, approached the rally and began throwing Molotov cocktails at the participants. At least one woman suffered severe burns, and multiple others were injured, some critically. Witnesses reported seeing fires and burn injuries, and video footage showed burn marks and people being taken away on stretchers. Emergency services responded swiftly, with victims transported to local hospitals.

🚨 #BREAKING: SUSPECT IDENTIFIED as Mohamad Soliman in the Boulder terror attack shows

He was shouting pro-Palestine propaganda with a thick accent.

THIS IS WHY WE NEED MASS DEPORTATIONS. These people SHOULD NOT BE HERE.

Multiple victims have been life-flighted from the area,… pic.twitter.com/NPT6lddv8w

— Le Bark News (@LeBarkNews) June 1, 2025

The attack occurred just hours before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, amplifying the shock and outrage within the community. Governor Jared Polis condemned the violence as a hate-fueled act and pledged full support to the investigation. The Anti-Defamation League and Israel's ambassador to the UN also strongly condemned the attack, labeling it an act of terrorism against Jews.


What Is a Molotov Cocktail ?

The Molotov cocktail is a crude incendiary weapon, typically consisting of a glass bottle filled with flammable liquid, such as gasoline, alcohol, or kerosene, and sealed with a cloth wick. The wick is ignited before the bottle is thrown, and upon impact, the bottle shatters, dispersing the burning liquid and causing a fireball effect.



Origin and naming:

The term ‘Molotov cocktail’ was coined by the Finns during the Winter War (1939–1940) between Finland and the Soviet Union. Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov claimed that Soviet bombers were delivering ‘airborne humanitarian food parcels’ to Finland. In response, the Finns sarcastically dubbed the Soviet bombs ‘Molotov's bread baskets’ and began referring to their homemade incendiary devices as ‘Molotov cocktails’—a drink to accompany Molotov's ‘food parcels’.


Historical significance:

While the Molotov cocktail was used in earlier conflicts, it gained prominence during the Winter War. Finnish forces effectively employed these improvised weapons against Soviet tanks, leading to their widespread use in subsequent uprisings and conflicts.

Over time, the Molotov cocktail became a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes. It was used by various groups, including the Hungarian revolutionaries in 1956, the Czechoslovakians during the Prague Spring, and the Palestinians in their struggle against Israeli forces. In recent history, it has been employed in protests worldwide, from the George Floyd protests in the US to the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests.



The investigation of the Boulder attack:

The FBI and local authorities are treating the incident as an ideologically motivated act of terrorism. While Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn emphasized that the motive is not confirmed and the incident is not yet officially classified as terrorism, FBI officials, including Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, described the attack as a targeted act of terror.