A violent attack occurred at a pro-Israel event in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, leaving multiple people injured. The event, organized by ‘Run for Their Lives,’ is a weekly gathering of supporters of the hostages in Gaza, advocating for their immediate release. Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn confirmed that the attack involved a man with a weapon and incendiary devices, resulting in injuries and the arrest of a suspect with minor injuries. The motive for the attack remains under investigation, though the police chief could not confirm if the event attendees were specifically targeted.
The Jewish community in Boulder expressed profound sorrow over the attack, with the Boulder Jewish Community issuing a statement condemning the violence. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also condemned the attack, linking it to a rising wave of anti-Semitic hate crimes. The ADL noted that the incident highlights the escalating tensions and risks of domestic terrorism. Meanwhile, the group ‘Run for Their, Lives,’ which was hosting the event, described itself as a movement that has spread from California, led by dedicated community leaders who are committed to bringing the hostages home.
Witnesses reported that an unidentified suspect used Molotov cocktails against participants in the walk, causing significant damage. The FBI and other political leaders have called the attack a terror act, although Redfearn has not yet officially classified it as such. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about rising anti-Semitic sentiment in the United States, with concerns about the safety of Jewish communities and the growing threat of domestic terrorism. The event, which aimed to raise awareness for the hostages, attracted a diverse group of participants who are united in their demand for the immediate release of all hostages and the resolution of the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The event’s website emphasized the global concern over the hostage situation, noting that innocent families have been living in tunnels for over a year. The group’s focus is on the imperative to bring the hostages back home, regardless of the method used. However, the attack has intensified the sense of urgency within the Jewish community and raised concerns about the safety of public gatherings focused on humanitarian issues. As the investigation continues, the incident has prompted calls for greater security and awareness about the potential risks associated with such events.