Multiple injured in targeted attack during Jewish event in Boulder

In Boulder, Colorado, a disturbing incident unfolded on Sunday, resulting in multiple injuries during a weekly event organized by members of the Jewish community. The attack occurred at the courthouse near Pearl Street Mall around 1:30 p.m. local time, where demonstrators advocating for the release of hostages held in Gaza were gathered. Eyewitness accounts report that a man employed a weapon to set attendees on fire, leading to chaos and multiple victims suffering severe injuries from burns. Law enforcement promptly responded to numerous 911 calls detailing the situation. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn stated that several victims required hospitalization for injuries ranging from serious to minor, while the suspect, who has been described as an adult male, was taken into custody without resistance and similarly received treatment for minor injuries. Evacuations of the surrounding area were implemented to secure the scene for ongoing investigations, with a vehicle of interest also being assessed by authorities. The event, entitled “Boulder Run for Their Lives,” featured peaceful demonstrators seeking to raise awareness about the plight of hostages, and the situation has spurred significant concern regarding rising antisemitic violence in the United States. The FBI is actively investigating the incident, classifying it as a “targeted terror attack,” while local law enforcement continues to exercise caution regarding the motives behind the assault. The circumstances raise troubling questions about safety amid increasing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As investigators work to gather more details, there have been public expressions of outrage, including statements from Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemning the violence as a “heinous act of terror.” The Anti-Defamation League has acknowledged the incident as particularly alarming given its context. As the investigation progresses, many in the community are left grappling with the implications of this attack, especially as it follows a rise in violence against Jewish individuals in various parts of the country.