Man sets multiple people on fire at Pro-Israel gathering in Boulder, Colorado

(CNN)- A peaceful gathering in Boulder to support Israeli hostages held in Gaza turned into a terrifying scene when a man attacked the crowd with a makeshift flamethrower, injuring several people — one critically.

The incident took place during a weekly pro-Israel event. According to federal authorities, the attacker — identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman — shouted “Free Palestine!” before igniting an incendiary device and hurling it into the crowd.

“This has inflicted a lot of fear in the Jewish community at large, the pro-Israel community,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis, responding to the attack.

FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek confirmed the use of a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary device. “It is clear that this is a targeted act of violence, and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism,” Michalek said.

Witnesses described a scene of chaos and horror. Brooke Coffman, who attended the gathering, said she saw “two older ladies… rolling around a little bit,” with “really bad burns all up on their legs.” Another witness, identified only as Brian H., described seeing “an elderly woman who had her hair charred.”

Police arrived quickly and took the suspect into custody without incident. “A suspect was pointed out to our officers on the scene,” said Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn. “Our officers immediately encountered that suspect, who was taken into custody without incident. The suspect was injured and transported to the hospital.”

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities determine possible motives and whether Soliman acted alone.