BOULDER, CO – The FBI isn’t mincing words: they’re calling the recent Boulder attack a “targeted act of terror.” This stark classification comes as local police continue to investigate the incident as a hate crime. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency is fully aware and actively investigating the assault that shook the Colorado community.
“Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available,” Patel stated in a social media post, reassuring the public of the ongoing efforts.
A horrifying scene unfolded in Boulder, Colorado, when a man identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly showed up to a vigil – a gathering remembering Israeli hostages in Gaza – armed with Molotov cocktails. He reportedly injured at least six people, all while shouting “Free Palestine.” Authorities quickly took him into custody.
This Boulder incident didn’t happen in a vacuum. It plays out against a backdrop of seriously heightened tensions across the U.S., stoked by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. We’re seeing a worrying surge in antisemitic hate crimes, alongside intensely heated arguments between those who back Israel and pro-Palestinian groups. And if that wasn’t enough, the Trump administration’s controversial move to label many pro-Palestinian protests as antisemitic has only deepened the divisions, sparking widespread criticism.
Just recently, Washington D.C. itself saw bloodshed, with a shooting leaving two people dead. These events collectively underscore a truly volatile atmosphere across the U.S., where international conflicts are chillingly spilling over into our own neighborhoods.
Right after the Boulder attack, several blocks around Pearl Street were swiftly evacuated as law enforcement scrambled, searching for any lingering threats. Witnesses painted a truly horrifying picture, some even reporting the suspect was “setting people on fire.” Despite that intensely tense situation, authorities have since assured the public that no other suspects are believed to be out there.
The Jewish community in Boulder voiced profound devastation over what happened. In a statement, they shared their heartbreak: “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.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis quickly condemned the violence. “Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable,” he stated firmly. His words come as state and local authorities push forward with their investigation into the attacker’s motive, desperately hoping to prevent any further bloodshed.
