The FBI is investigating an attack on pro-Israel demonstrators Sunday in Boulder, Colorado as a potential act of terrorism that left several victims severely injured.
Photos and videos of the incident circulated quickly on social media that appeared to show a man setting people on fire. Witnesses on the scene told CBS News that a suspect attacked participants with molotov cocktails. Boulder police said it was too early to speculate on the suspect’s motive, despite the apparent political nature of the attack. The suspect is in custody, police said.
FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Sunday the bureau sent personnel to the scene of the attack in Boulder and an investigation is underway.
“We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available,” Patel said on X.
Local police advised people to avoid the area while law enforcement came onto the scene at 13th and Pearl streets in Boulder. Multiple victims were injured and taken to hospitals for treatment, authorities said, and some of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
“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,” Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) said.
The pro-Israel demonstrators were participating in a walk to call for the release of the remaining hostages in Hamas captivity. Run For Their Lives, the group that organized the walk, said it was a peaceful walk to express solidarity with the hostages. Hamas terrorists abducted 251 hostages during the mass slaughter on October 7, 2023 and roughly two dozen living hostages are believed to be alive in Gaza.
“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,” Boulder’s Jewish community said in a joint statement.
“Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
The attack on pro-Israel demonstrators in Colorado is the second suspected terror attack in recent weeks related to Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas. A left-wing, anti-Israel gunman shot and killed two young Israeli embassy staffers outside of the Capital Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. last month.
The gunman, Elias Rodriguez, chanted “free, free Palestine” after committing the heinous attack and now faces murder charges for killing Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a soon-to-be-engaged couple.