A man reportedly lit people on fire in Boulder, Colorado, injuring many people as they gathered for a demonstration in favor of the Israeli hostages.
A suspect has been apprehended, and police are investigating what FBI officials quickly described as “a targeted terror attack” — while local authorities stated it was too early to identify the crime and that the motive was still being investigated.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn stated on Sunday that they found many individuals with burn injuries.
Multiple law enforcement officials informed on the inquiry told CNN that the man hurled bottles containing flammable liquid, which hit the ground and ignited in flames. The exact number of bottles thrown was unclear.
At least two people have been brought to the hospital, according to the officials.
The Anti-Defamation League confirmed on social media that the purported attack occurred at the Boulder Run for Their Lives event. The weekly gathering of Jewish community members is intended to support the hostages captured during Israel’s October 7 strikes in 2023.
The ADL observed that the incident occurred prior to Shavuot, a Jewish holiday commemorating the gift of the Torah to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai.
While police have yet to identify the perpetrator, a source close with the investigation told CNN that federal charges are likely in the case.
The FBI and federal prosecutors are currently investigating the incident to see whether the suspect will face terrorist charges or other federal criminal statutes, according to the source.
The source stated that potential mental health concerns have not yet been ruled out, which might influence any charging decision.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, stated that the National Counterterrorism Center is cooperating with the FBI and local law enforcement.
In a social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel stated, “We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.” Our agents and local law enforcement are already on the scene, and we will provide updates as new information becomes available.
On social media Sunday, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated that the Boulder, Colorado, attack is “being investigated as an act of ideologically motivated violence.”
“Our leadership team on the ground in Boulder will be updating you shortly on the attack in Boulder,” Bongino wrote in an X post.
Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, joined the FBI in calling the incident “terrorism” and urged decisive global action. “The time for statements is over,” he told reporters. “It is time for concrete action to be taken against the instigators wherever they may be.”
“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 while they were raising awareness for the hostages still being held in Gaza,” Boulder’s Jewish community said in a joint statement to CNN.
In a statement issued Sunday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis stated that he is “closely monitoring the situation.”
“Hateful activities of any type are unacceptable. While details emerge, the state collaborates with local and federal law enforcement to support this investigation. “More information will be provided as it becomes available,” Polis stated.
The White House says President Donald Trump has been briefed on the event.