At least six people were injured in a suspected targeted attack during a peaceful rally supporting Israeli hostages held in Gaza, drawing strong condemnation from local authorities and community leaders.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at an open-air mall on Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado, where participants of the volunteer group Run For Their Lives had gathered for their regular weekend march to raise awareness about the Israeli captives taken by Hamas following the October 7, 2023 attacks.
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Boulder police confirmed that a male suspect, identified as Soliman, was apprehended shortly after the attack. Although formal charges had not been announced, officials assured that he would face full accountability.
The FBI classified the event as a “targeted terror incident,” while Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn called for calm as the investigation continues. He refrained from speculating on the suspect’s motives, stating that witness interviews are ongoing.
Chief Redfearn also confirmed that the injuries sustained by the victims, who are all elderly individuals aged between 67 and 88, include burns consistent with being set on fire.
“This was a peaceful Sunday afternoon on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder, and this act was unacceptable,” Redfearn said. “Please keep the victims and their families in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
Eyewitnesses and social media footage suggest the attacker used Molotov cocktails in the assault. Alan Fisher of Al Jazeera reported that a man was seen throwing two bottles filled with flammable liquid at the crowd.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes with panicked crowds. University of Colorado student Brooke Coffman, 19, recounted seeing at least four women suffering burns on their legs. She described one woman who was badly burned over most of her body and wrapped in a flag for protection. “Everyone was shouting, ‘Get water, get water,’” she recalled.
Two of the injured were airlifted to hospitals for emergency care, while others received treatment on site or were transported by ambulance.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect was also injured and is currently receiving medical treatment, though details about the severity of his injuries remain undisclosed.
The attack has heightened concerns amid a backdrop of increasing tensions and violence in the U.S. linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The war has led to a rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents across the country.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack, calling hate-driven acts “unacceptable” and stating that he is closely monitoring the situation in Boulder.
The Jewish community in Boulder issued a statement expressing sorrow and outrage over the attack. “We are deeply saddened to hear that an incendiary device was thrown at participants of the Run For Their Lives walk on Pearl Street, which was held to raise awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the U.S., a key ally of Israel, faces increasing criticism over its support for Israeli military actions in Gaza. Reports from international health organizations and human rights groups indicate that over 54,000 people—mainly women and children—have died since the Israeli bombardment began, with more than 2.3 million people currently facing famine conditions due to a blockade.
As of the latest updates, Hamas continues to hold approximately 58 Israeli captives taken during the October 7 attack, fueling ongoing protests and advocacy efforts both in Israel and internationally.
