Latest news with #terroristattack
BBC News
14-06-2025
- BBC News
Forbury Gardens fifth anniversary memorial service
A remembrance service will take place on the fifth anniversary of a terrorist attack in a park that left three men Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails died after being stabbed by Khairi Saadallah in Forbury Gardens, Reading, Berkshire, in was given a whole-life jail term for their Terry, Labour councillor for Southcote, said the memorial on 20 June would be "particularly poignant" on the "five-year anniversary of a day nobody associated with Reading will ever forget". A private memorial service for family, friends and invited guests will take place at nearby St Laurence's Church from 18:00 19:00, a public service will take place at the permanent memorial stone to Mr Furlong, Mr Ritchie-Bennett and Mr Wails in Forbury will be led by the new mayor of Reading, Alice Mpofu-Coles, and Reverend Sonya Wratten, from Reading gospel singer Nichole Grace will perform, followed by a flower-laying ceremony and a minute's silence. Ms Terry said: "Five years may have passed but the painful memories of that day remain and Friday's service is an opportunity for Reading's community to come together once again."The thoughts and prayers of everybody in Reading remain with the families and friends who so needlessly lost loved ones that day and all those injured or affected."Forbury Gardens will be closed from 15:00 on the day, before reopening at gardens will shut to the public again from 20:00 and the Maiwand Lion will be lit up from 21:00, with three beams of light shining into the night sky in memory of the victims and all those affected. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Fox News
03-06-2025
- General
- Fox News
Neighbor recalls Boulder terror attack suspect as a family man
The Boulder, Colorado, terrorist attack suspect's neighbor called him a "really nice guy" and a family man. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, faced a federal hate crime charge, as well as state charges of attempted first-degree murder, crimes against at-risk adults/elderly, assault, criminal attempt to commit class one and class two felonies and use of explosives or incendiary devices during a felony in connection with the Sunday attack that left 12 people injured. Soliman is accused of throwing "two lit Molotov cocktails at individuals participating in a pro-Israel gathering near the Boulder Courthouse," federal court documents state. "Wow," the neighbor, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Fox News Digital when informed about Soliman's alleged actions. "He was a really nice guy. He was our neighbor." Soliman was married with five children, who played with other neighborhood children in Boulder. "It's surprising because you never know who's living next to you." The suspect told authorities during an interview after the incident that "he had been planning the attack for a year and was waiting until after his daughter graduated to conduct the attack," the complaint states. "They were really nice people," the neighbor said. "Every time we were outside, they'd say, 'Hi, how are you?' They invited us over their house." The neighbor added that Soliman's wife was a "stay-at-home mom" and "a good cook." She would "give food to the neighbors." The neighbor specifically recalled Soliman's wife giving food to other neighbors during Ramadan, a Muslim holy month. Soliman was living in the United States illegally after entering on a work visa two years ago that has since expired, according to federal officials. Soliman "was working for Uber and not home that often," the neighbor said. Uber confirmed to Fox News Digital that Soliman began working for the rideshare platform in 2023. The company further noted that all drivers must meet numerous eligibility requirements, including passing a criminal and driving history background check, providing a photo ID, and holding a valid Social Security number. Soliman met all the requirements per Colorado state law, Uber said. Soliman also had no concerning feedback while driving for the platform, according to Uber, which has since banned his driver's account and contacted law enforcement. A federal complaint says Soliman "traveled to Boulder, Colorado, in his vehicle with the Molotov cocktails and threw two of the cocktails at individuals participating in a pro-Israel gathering," the complaint states. "He also stated that he picked up gas at a gas station on the way to Boulder. He stated that he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead. "He specifically targeted the 'Zionist Group' that had gathered in Boulder having learned about the group from an online search. SOLIMAN knew that they planned to meet… Sunday, June 1 at 1pm. He arrived at approximately 12:55 p.m. and waited for them. Throughout the interview, SOLIMAN stated that he hated the Zionist group and did this because he hated this group and needed to stop them from taking over 'our land,' which he explained to be Palestine," the complaint states. He also allegedly stated "he would do it…again." Soliman was booked into the Boulder County Jail on Sunday evening and remains held on a $10 million bond.
CNN
03-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
Boulder Suspect Charged With 16 Counts Of Attempted Murder - The Lead with Jake Tapper - Podcast on CNN Audio
Boulder Suspect Charged With 16 Counts Of Attempted Murder The Lead with Jake Tapper 88 mins The suspect in yesterday's horrific terrorist attack just made his first court appearance. This as we learn more about the 12 people who were injured including a holocaust survivor. Plus, President Trump threatens to impose tariffs on two major American companies. We look at why the White House would go after American companies and how it may affect consumer prices.
The Sun
02-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Holocaust survivor among 8 victims after bulletproof vest-clad Mohamed Sabry Soliman ‘ambushed group with flamethrower'
A HOLOCAUST survivor was one of eight people attacked in what police are calling a terrorist attack in Colorado on Sunday. The attack happened as a group peacefully gathered to raise awareness of the Israeli hostages in Gaza at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado. 6 6 A man, now identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, went behind some bushes during the weekly gathering and allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail into the crowd. He appeared to have caught himself on fire during the attack and took off his shirt, revealing what looked to be a bulletproof vest underneath. Soliman also used a makeshift flamethrower to set several people on fire while yelling "Free Palestine!" Eight people between the ages of 52 to 88 were injured in the attack, including a Holocaust survivor described as an "amazing person" by her friends. "She speaks -- she has spoken at our synagogues as well as other synagogues and schools just about her background and the Holocaust and from her own perspective," Chany Scheiner, a friend of the victim, told local NBC affiliate KUSA-TV. "She is passionate about standing up for good things and she is an extremely exceptional person. "Always a smile on her face. Her life wasn't easy, but she is just a bright light. And anybody who is her friend is a friend for life. SICK CRIME Soliman, 45, is facing several felony charges and is expected to appear in court on Monday afternoon, according to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office. His charges include one count of explosive or incendiary devices used during a felony and two counts of first-degree assault. During the horrific scene, people rushed to help the victims, dousing them with water while Soliman was still nearby, according to witness accounts. Father of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen criticises Netanyahu and pleads of the release of hostages Video of the attack showed one woman severely injured as bystanders poured water on her. A local store owner, who didn't want to be named, told CNN that he saw big flames as people screamed. "There were people on the ground and a bunch of others running over with buckets and bottles and whatever they could carry water in," the owner said. "Everyone was dumping water on the burned people, especially one woman on the ground who was totally torched from her hair to her legs." Chillingly, the store owner told the outlet that Soliman appeared "pretty calm" during the attack. "He would spray the liquid and spread the fire. It was pretty intense, honestly." The Department of Homeland Security also revealed that Soliman was in the US illegally after entering the country on a B2 Visa that expired in February 2023. He previously applied for asylum in the US and tried to enter the country in 2005, but his Visa was denied, reported CNN. The attack comes less than a week after a man was charged with fatally shooting two Israeli embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in Washington. LEADERS CONDEMN THE ATTACK Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement on Monday, saying he and his wife were praying for the full recovery of the victims. "This attack was aimed against peaceful people who wished to express their solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas, simply because they were Jews," he said. Netanyahu added that he's confident the US would "prosecute the cold-blooded perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law." Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett promised that justice would be served in a statement on X. "I am saddened and outraged at the appalling attack on members of Boulder's Jewish community that happened today during a peaceful gathering on Pearl Street," he wrote. "I'm confident that working with our law enforcement partners we will be able to ensure that a full investigation is made and justice will be served." 6 6 6
CBS News
01-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Attack at Boulder's Pearl Street Mall in Colorado burns several people, police say; suspect in custody
Multiple people at Boulder's Pearl Street Mall in Colorado were burned when they were attacked by a man during a march for Israeli hostages Sunday, according to police. Authorities said the violent incident happened at 1:26 p.m. at 13th Street and Pearl Street on Sunday afternoon. Police asked everyone to avoid the area while first responders work the scene. Pearl Street Mall evacuation zone Boulder Police Department Boulder police said officers are evacuating the 1200, 1300, and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street between Walnut and Pine as they investigate what happened. "PLEASE AVOID THIS AREA," the department tweeted at 3:08 p.m. In a press conference at 4 p.m., police said the scene is not yet safe and they have a vehicle of interest. Authorities said a suspect has been taken into custody. They said that multiple people were injured and taken to local hospitals, some of which have since been transferred to other hospitals. Boulder police believe some of those injuries may be life-threatening. Witnesses at the scene told CBS Colorado that the suspect attacked people with Molotov cocktails who were participating in a walk to remember the Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza. FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino described the incident as a terrorist attack and said around 3:30 p.m. that FBI agents are at the scene. Boulder police said the attack is under investigation and are working to determine if that is the case, and that it's too early to speculate on the attacker's motive. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis posted on X, "I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror. Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable. While details emerge, the state works with local and federal law enforcement to support this investigation. More information will be provided as it becomes available." Run For Their Lives, which organized the walk, said, "This is not a protest; it is a peaceful walk to show solidarity with the hostages and their families, and a plea for their release." The group met at 1 p.m. at Pearl Street and 8th Street to walk the length of the Pearl Street Mall and back with a stop at the courthouse for a video. Ed Victor, who was participating in the walk, said they've been holding these silent marches every week since Oct. 7 to raise awareness for the hostages still in Gaza. They stop at the courthouse to sing songs, tell stories and read the names of the hostages each week. He said around 30 people were participating in today's walk. Victor said that the marchers occasionally encounter hecklers, but they try not to respond and continue peacefully down Pearl Street. People also often nod, clap or thank them as they walk by, he added. He said that he never expected that someone would attack them. "So we stood up, lined up in front of the old Boulder courthouse, and I was actually on the far west side. And there was somebody there that I didn't even notice, although he was making a lot of noise, but I'm just focused on my job of being quiet and getting lined up. And, from my point of view, all of a sudden, I felt the heat. It was a Molotov cocktail equivalent, a gas bomb in a glass jar, thrown. Av [another marcher] saw it, a big flame as high as a tree, and all I saw was someone on fire," said Victor. Victor said they tried to put the fire out. As another marcher with medical experience stepped in to take care of her, Victor stayed with her husband to comfort him. He said volunteers also rushed in to help, bringing water. A joint statement from Boulder's Jewish community said: We are saddened and heartbroken to learn that an incendiary device was thrown at walkers at the Run for Their Lives walk on Pearl Street as they were raising awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza. We don't have all the details of what is unfolding, and we promise to keep our community informed. Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured. We are in touch with law enforcement about our Boulder Jewish community, and safety is our highest priority. We are working closely with SCN, Boulder PD, and the FBI. We are grateful for the first responders who are caring for our injured. We will continue to work together to share information and provide support for our community. When events like this enter our own community, we are shaken. Our hope is that we come together for one another. Strength to you all. Video of the scene shows what appears to be a burn scar in front of the old courthouse and a person being taken away on a stretcher. Photos from a viewer show a shirtless man at the scene being detained by police. This is a breaking story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
