ISLAMABAD (PEN) : A peaceful demonstration advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza turned violent Sunday when an attacker reportedly hurled incendiary devices at marchers in downtown Boulder, Colorado, injuring at least six elderly participants.
Attack Disrupts Advocacy March
The incident occurred along Pearl Street during a weekly event organized by “Run For Their Lives,” a volunteer group raising awareness about the Israeli hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault. According to Boulder police, the victims—ranging in age from 67 to 88—suffered burns of varying severity, with two in critical condition and airlifted for emergency care.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as flames erupted among the demonstrators. “One woman looked badly burned across most of her body and someone had wrapped her in a flag,” said Brooke Coffman, a 19-year-old student who witnessed the attack. “Everybody was yelling, ‘Get water, get water.’”
Suspect in Custody, Motive Under Investigation
Authorities have taken a male suspect, identified only as Soliman, into custody. While charges are pending, law enforcement confirmed he is receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn refrained from speculating on the motive but acknowledged the gravity of the incident. “It would be irresponsible for me to speculate on the motive while witnesses are still being interviewed,” he said. “This act was unacceptable. I ask that you join me in thinking about the victims, the families of those victims, and everyone involved in this tragedy.”
The FBI has labeled the assault a “targeted terror incident,” and early reports suggest the assailant may have used Molotov cocktails or similar improvised incendiary devices.
Community and Government Response
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from officials and advocacy groups amid rising nationwide tensions linked to the ongoing war in Gaza. Colorado Governor Jared Polis denounced the violence, stating, “Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable,” and assured the public he is monitoring the situation closely.
In a statement, Boulder’s Jewish community expressed sorrow and solidarity with the victims: “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.”
Broader Context: Rising Tensions Across the U.S.
Sunday’s incident comes against a backdrop of heightened polarization and an uptick in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic acts in the U.S., fueled by the intensifying Israel-Gaza conflict. Human rights organizations report over 54,000 fatalities—mostly women and children—since Israel launched military operations in Gaza, with over 2.3 million civilians facing critical food shortages due to an ongoing blockade.
Currently, Hamas is believed to be holding approximately 58 Israeli hostages, a continued source of anguish for families and fuel for advocacy campaigns both within Israel and internationally.
