Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are investigating an attack that occurred Sunday afternoon near a presentation in boulder, Colorado. the demonstration was organized to call for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The incident resulted in multiple individuals sustaining burn injuries.

FBI chief Kash patel described the event on X as a “targeted terror attack.” However, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn stated at a briefing that authorities are not currently treating the incident as terrorism, while confirming that a suspect is in custody.

According to FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek,six victims,ranging in age from 67 to 88,were hospitalized. Witnesses reported that the suspect used a “makeshift flame thrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd” during the attack.

• Chief Redfearn indicated that at least one patient was in critical condition.
• Special Agent Michalek reported that the suspect yelled “free Palestine” during the attack.
• The suspect has been identified as 45-year-old mohamed Sabry Soliman.

run For Their Lives, the institution behind the solidarity walk, stated that the group convened at 1pm local time with plans to walk the length of the pearl Street Mall and return when the attack occurred.

• The group emphasized, “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.”
• Authorities responded to the scene at 13th and Pearl streets at 1:26pm MT, following reports that individuals had been “set on fire,” according to Chief Redfearn.
• A White House official confirmed that President Trump has been briefed on the situation.

FBI deputy director Dan Bongino stated on X, “This act of terror is being investigated as an act of ideologically motivated violence based on the early information, the evidence, and witness accounts.”

• Chief Redfearn told reporters that it was too early to speculate on a motive when asked if the attack was connected to the march to free Hamas’ hostages.
• He added, “If that motive was a group was targeted, we will absolutely step up and ensure that additional security, additional presence.”

Reactions to the Boulder Attack

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard wrote on X that the Office of the DNI’s National Counterterrorism Center is “working with the FBI and local law enforcement on the ground investigating the targeted terror attack against a weekly meeting of Jewish community members.”

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated on X that the DHS is monitoring the situation and collaborating with interagency partners, including the FBI.
• Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued a statement saying, “From what we no, this attack appears to be a hate crime given the group that was targeted,” and offered support from the attorney general’s office.

“Make no mistake – this is not a political protest, this is terrorism. The time for statements is over. It is time for concrete action.”

The Boulder’s Jewish community Center released a statement saying they’re “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.”

• Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, stated, “Terrorism against Jews does not stop at the Gaza border – it is already burning the streets” of the U.S.
• He added, “Today, in Boulder, Colorado, Jewish people marched with a moral and humane demand: to return the hostages.In response, the Jewish protesters were brutally attacked.”
• “Make no mistake – this is not a political protest, this is terrorism. The time for statements is over. It is time for concrete action to be taken against the instigators,” Danon concluded.

broader Context

colorado Gov. Jared Polis noted that the U.S. Jewish community was already grieving the fatal shootings of two Israeli Embassy staff in D.C. last month.

• Gov. Jared Polis stated,”It is unfathomable that the Jewish community is facing another terror attack here in Boulder,on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot no less.”