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Eight Hurt in Flamethrower Attack at Colorado Event for Israeli Hostages; Peace Talks Resume After Ukraine Hits Russian Air Bases, Warplanes; Yankees Avoid Sweep in L.A. With 7-3 Win Over Dodgers. Aired 7-7:30a ET

Aired June 02, 2025 - 07:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[07:00:00]

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: All right. The breaking news out of Colorado, what the FBI calls a terror attack on elderly victims marching in support of Israeli hostages. One victim, we are hearing, is a Holocaust survivor. New information on the suspect who is due in court shortly.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: And another round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine meeting in Turkey today just after Ukraine carried out one of its most ambitious operations inside Russia since the war began.

And China says the U.S. is provoking frictions as tensions flare over President Trump's trade war. The response from Beijing now as President Trump accuses China of violating a trade agreement.

Sara is out today. I'm Kate Bolduan with John Berman. This is CNN News Central.

BERMAN: And the breaking news this morning, the FBI is investigating an attack on a Jewish gathering in Boulder, Colorado, as an active terror. Officials say at least eight people were injured at the event held in support of Israeli hostages in Gaza. It was a disturbing scene. Smoke rising after the FBI says a man used a makeshift flame thrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd.

Among the injured was a Holocaust survivor, one of the people who attended the event told CNN. Witnesses described the chaos.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're all trying to be like, what do we need you to do to perk this fire out? This person is screaming, upset, on the ground, on rock -- you know, it's rock, it's concrete. How do we put out this fire? This person is burning.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The person who threw the Molotov cocktail had two more in his hand and he was holding them and he was yelling and he was screaming at everybody.

I think he was saying, you're killing my people. As he was holding -- and I was only trying to make sure people were getting away because I saw another bomb going off that was in his hand.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: All right, there is a suspect under arrest this morning. Officials have identified him as 45-year-old Mohammed Sabry Soliman. He was seen shirtless carrying two bottles. You can see it there. The FBI says he shouted, free Palestine. He is due in court this afternoon after being booked on multiple charges, including felony use of incendiary devices.

Sources tell CNN he had applied for asylum in the U.S. and was denied a visa to enter the country in 2005. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller says he had to legally overstayed a tourist visa.

Let's get right to see as Brynn Gingras. Bring us up to speed, a lot of new developments this morning.

BRYNN GINGRAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes. The first is that Sabry is behind bars -- or Soliman, rather, is behind bars right now on $10 million bail. He has a court date, as you said, 1:30 the time they're in Colorado. So, we'll be looking forward to see what happens there.

We know that there are multiple felony charges that he's booked on, including murder charges, though we have not learned from officials of any of these victims dying. So, we're waiting to hear what that means for those charges. As John described it, you've just heard from witnesses there, it was certainly a chaotic scene as these -- you know, this is a weekly event that happens with this group of people. They go to support the hostages that are held in Gaza by Hamas.

And this person, Soliman, according to police, showed up with this makeshift flamethrower, with Molotov cocktails. Witnesses describe how he was just dousing people and trying -- you know, people were running to their aid trying to basically put out the flames with water bottles, we're told. Four women, four men injured in this, all brought to hospitals. Two were actually had to be air-flighted. As John mentioned, one of those victims, a Holocaust survivor.

Let's hear more from the governor there in Colorado.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. JARED POLIS (D-CO): I've walked by, by the way, these folks who most weeks are there, you know, reminding us that the hostages are still being held by Hamas. And to think that they would be attacked viciously and targeted simply because of their political beliefs in this country, in this state, it's just completely, you know, hard to believe, frankly.

We want to make sure that, again, no matter what your viewpoints are in our state, that you feel safe. And in particular now a lot of members of our Jewish community feel particularly threatened by this act of terrorism.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[07:50:01]

GINGRAS: And as we said, this is being investigated as an act of terror. We're learning from sources that investigators are looking to see also if this -- you know, he had mental health issues, considering everything that you're seeing there, what he was yelling and what he looked like that he stuck around for that arrest. So, all of this, hopefully, more information at least coming out at this court appearance later today.

BERMAN: Obviously, we're standing by for that. A lot more to learn, but just a horrifying scene there in Boulder.

Brynn, thank you very much. Kate?

BOLDUAN: And so much of it caught on video as it was playing out.

Joining us right now as CNN Senior National Security Analyst Juliette Kayyem. Juliette, what do you see in this attack? So many eyewitnesses, so many different angles, so many people were there at this moment, a very busy time of day on a very busy street in Boulder when all of this happened.

JULIETTE KAYYEM, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL SECURITY ANALYST: That's exactly right. So, in terms of the court case or cases ahead, there's a lot of evidence already in place, in terms of what he did, what he said in terms of free Palestine, which gets to his anti-Semitic motivation, and then what was happening and what he was trying to do over the course of those minutes, because we heard eyewitness reports that there were more Molotov cocktails.

What we don't know is, is he speaking right now? And we also don't know his previous criminal history. Has he had engagement with police before? What we know about him now is there's tremendous gaps in his narrative. In 2005, he seeks asylum, he's denied. At some stage, he reenters under a tourism visa, which is a lawful visa, but then if it's an overstayed, then you're unlawful. So, he's an unlawful, illegal immigrant residing in Colorado, it seems.

So, that gap in time in terms of what he's doing, does he have contacts with others, his radicalization process, mental health issues are all going to come into play in both a federal case, and Colorado does have a hate crime statute, so there could be add-on state case as well.

BOLDUAN: And in terms of what happens now with the investigation, I mean, what do you still want to know? You're talking about the gaps in his criminal history, but what else as they move forward with this?

KAYYEM: Yes. So the most important thing is, was he with others or motivated for this. Anti-Semitism and the attacks on the Jewish community here in the United States are prevalent. We saw a horrific one as well two weeks ago against the Israeli diplomats who were assassinated. And so was this motivated by a group or group membership, or was it sort of an individualized radicalization, he's upset with what's going on in Israel and Gaza? And so understanding that will then give us a sense of what is the atmosphere, what's the sort of coalition behind him?

The second is the Molotov cocktail. Look, these are relatively easy to make, but these are not guns, which in Colorado, as we know, are relatively easy to get. I'm very curious when I heard this sort of, you know, what made him think -- you know, what it was it about the Molotov cocktail? How did he learn to do it? How did he do three, make three? I'm very -- I think that's sort of the means is a very important point.

That's to the specific case. The larger case, which has to be addressed of course, is rising and/or consistent, I would say, anti- Semitism and attacks on the Jewish community. That's not going to be solved by a single case. Certainly, we want to prosecute him to the full extent of the law but there's larger issues that we have to address as a nation.

BOLDUAN: 100 percent. Juliette, thank you so much for jumping on this morning. Much more to learn here. I really appreciate it. John?

BERMAN: All right. This morning, Politico is calling it Russia's Pearl Harbor after Ukraine launched a surprise attack deep inside Russia.

New college graduates facing the worst job market in years as industry leaders warn that artificial intelligence is on track to wipe out entry level jobs.

And bees on the lamb, hundreds of millions of them on the loose after a truck carrying honeybee hives overturned.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:10:00]

BERMAN: All right. This morning, Ukrainian and Russian delegations are an Istanbul for peace talks. The real story though, this unprecedented and audacious drone attack by Ukraine on Russian airfields and bombers. Ukraine attacked bases deep inside Russia, thousands of miles from the frontlines in what they're calling operation Spider Web. Ukrainian officials said that dozens of Russian war planes were destroyed.

Let's get right to CNN Chief International Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh. This is quite a backdrop for these talks, which will take place shortly, Nick.

NICK PATON WALSH, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Yes, I mean, absolutely startling the sophistication of this raid. One of these air bases hits almost halfway across Siberia. The Ukrainian security service able to use mobile wooden homes, essentially, the roofs of them seem to have opened up and allowed these clouds of drones remotely piloted to target some of Russia's most important long-range strategic bombers. 41 damaged according to Ukraine's Security Service, air bases that must have fought, they were basically far enough away to be impregnable Ukraine very keen to announce that all the people involved in this year-and-a-half long operation have since left the country, and yet another sign of how Ukraine's able to use its outsized use of technology to inflict significant damage on Russia's enormous military.

[07:15:10]

Something which frankly Kyiv has always felt would be impregnable, but is increasingly showing its vulnerability over time.

What does this mean? We don't know exactly what damage it's going to do to the nightly horrors inflicted on Ukrainian civilians by these long range bombers. Some of them indeed were old enough, they were still using propellers. But it's another sign that Ukraine is able to sometimes upset the balance. And as you mentioned too, a remarkable backdrop for these talks in Istanbul.

Here's what Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a NATO summit in Vilnius that he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT: Europe together with America has better weapons than Russia. We also have stronger tactical solutions. Our Operation Spider Web yesterday proved that. Russia must feel what its losses mean. That is what will push it toward diplomacy.

And when Russia takes losses in this war is obvious to everyone that Ukraine, either one, holding the line, not just for itself, but for all of Europe.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALSH: You could see in his arrival in Vilnius, Zelenskyy there with a bit of a spring in his step, frankly, a long needed boost to Ukrainian morale suffered so badly after that Oval Office blowup with President Donald Trump.

Does this change Russia's thinking? Well, many felt these peace talks in Istanbul were another example of Moscow slow rolling a peace process, had very minimal interest in seeing lead to a ceasefire. But it may make the Kremlin begin to wonder if surprises like this come along frequently enough, how long they can sustain this conflict and it may real do practical damage to their war effort too, John.

So, a remarkable weekend here, I should point out too, record number of drones launched by Russia over the weekend and startling number taken out by Ukraine's electronic warfare too. So, technology increasingly on Ukraine's side. John?

BERMAN: Yes, Ukraine very much trying to increase the cost on Russia and what impact that could have on discussions going forward.

Nick Paton Walsh for us, thank you, Nick.

All right, quote, tariffs are not going away. The new message from the commerce secretary as President Trump issues a new warning to courts ruling against his tariffs. And this morning, thousands forced to evacuate. New air quality warnings have been issued as wildfires grow.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:20:00]

BOLDUAN: Time for some sports. It was a World Series rematch this weekend, Yankees versus Dodgers. Most importantly, the Yankees avoided a Dodgers sweep. That's the headline, and CNN's Carolyn Manno has the details.

CAROLYN MANNO, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: and that is the most important thing because things had not been going well for the Yankees so far in this fall classic repeat. L.A. actually outscoring New York 26-7 through the first two games of the series. But the Yankees did manage a 7-3 win on Sunday night to avoid the sweep, like Kate said.

And Pitcher Ryan Yarbrough really played the hero in this game, held the Dodgers' high powered offense to only four hits through six innings against his old team. He was actually a reliever for the Dodgers last year, picked up his World Series ring over the weekend.

Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani hitless in this game, but Ben Rice helping the Yankees take a 4-1 lead in the third, a 425-foot shot to center field. So, up next for L.A., a series with the N.L.-leading Mets.

Elly De La Cruz playing with a heavy heart on Sunday. Just hours before taking the field at Wrigley, the Cincinnati red Star learning that his sister had passed away. He honored her the best way he knew how, hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning against the Cubs, the 50th of his career as he made his way home, looked up to the sky, flashing a heart.

In golf, Sweden's Maja Stark earning her first major title at the U.S. Women's Open on Sunday. Stark shooting 72 in the final round to hold off world number one, Nelly Korda. Meantime, the world number one on the men's side, Scottie Scheffler continuing to roll, cruising to a four stroke win at the memorial, the defendant's title last year and after securing a $4 million payday.

Very relatable moment here for Scottie and his wife, Meredith, the golfer went on to celebrate. His one-year-old son Bennett, look at this, Kate, a little bit of a stain on the back, picking a bus, like bathroom mishap.

BOLDUAN: Oh man, we have all -- it's always when you least expect it.

MANNO: Yes. Meredith, her telling her husband, hey, there's a stain on his back. But Scheffler said, hey, that's going to happen. So, very relatable, relatable for me at the moment, I can tell you that right now. But --

BOLDUAN: So many joys to be looking --

MANNO: A lot to look forward to, a lot to look forward to. BOLDUAN: I mean, there are some epic stories of the blowouts that just ruin a meal in a way that could never be ruined ever again.

MANNO: Okay, looking forward to it. Thanks, Kate.

BOLDUAN: So many things.

MANNO: Yes.

BOLDUAN: I've been told every time I tell a story, I'm making people want to have children less, so I'll stop there.

MANNO: Thank you, Kate.

BOLDUAN: It's great to see you Carolyn. Thank you so much.

All right, so we are continuing to cover the breaking news this morning, at least eight people injured in Colorado. The attack carried out by a man described as using a makeshift flamethrower and throwing Molotov cocktails into a group simply gathering to show support for Israeli hostages. The new charges just filed this morning. We are staying right on top of this.

And also a new warning coming from economists why this could be the worst job market for college graduates since the height of the pandemic.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:25:00]

BOLDUAN: Back to our breaking news, a targeted terror attack. That is what the FBI is calling Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado. Police say at least eight people were injured in a horrifying anti-Semitic violence, a suspect using a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails and yelling free Palestine during the attack, according to law enforcement. One of the people participating in this peaceful gathering to show support for Israeli hostages described it all this way.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The person who threw the Molotov cocktail had two more in his hand. And he was holding them and he was yelling and he was screaming at everybody. I think he was saying, you're killing my people as he was holding, and I was only trying to make sure people were getting away because I saw another bomb going off that was in his hand.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[07:30:06]

BOLDUAN: That man, the man who's now in.