U.S. lawmakers, Trump administration officials, and Jewish groups have condemned a terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, which targeted peaceful demonstrators advocating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. The incident, which left eight injured, is described as an ‘act of vile antisemitism’ and has sparked widespread outrage. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, was arrested at the scene after setting victims on fire.
According to authorities, Soliman entered the U.S. in 2022 with authorization but has since overstayed his visa. Law enforcement continues to investigate the attack, emphasizing that it appears to have been motivated by hate. Colorado’s Democratic Governor Jared Polis, himself Jewish, expressed solidarity with the victims and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to overcoming tragedy together. He highlighted the emotional toll on the Jewish community, which has faced multiple antisemitic attacks in recent months.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, also Jewish, condemned the attack as ‘a vile, antisemitic act of terror’ and emphasized the urgency of addressing antisemitism. He noted that the incident occurred on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, a time of renewal and unity. Schumer urged swift action to combat hate, stating that when antisemitism is allowed to fester, it leads to violence and terror. House Speaker Mike Johnson also expressed deep concern, calling the attack ‘heartbreaking and deeply disturbing’ and vowing to support law enforcement in delivering justice.
The incident has drawn international attention, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning the attack and calling for the perpetrator to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He emphasized the global nature of antisemitism, linking recent attacks to ‘blood libels’ against Israel. Various Jewish groups, including the American Jewish Committee, have called for increased solidarity against hate and condemned the violence as a continuation of a dangerous ideology.
As the FBI and other federal agencies continue their investigation, there is a clear consensus among U.S. officials and leaders that this incident is a direct reflection of the broader issue of antisemitism in America. The call for unity and action against hate remains central to the response, highlighting the need for vigilance and collective effort to prevent such attacks in the future.