Colorado attack: Several injured after pro-Israel protesters set on fire; FBI calls it ‘targeted terror’

Several people were injured on Sunday in what the FBI described as a “targeted terror attack” in Colorado, targeting demonstrators seeking the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

“We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado,” FBI chief Kash Patel said on X.

According to local media, witnesses said a man threw what looked like a homemade Molotov cocktail at a group protesting for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

When asked if the attack targeted protesters, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said it was “way too early to speculate on the motive.” The incident happened shortly before 1:30 pm (1930 GMT).

A video believed to show the attack features a shirtless man holding spray bottles as a fire burns on the grass in front of him. He is heard shouting phrases like “End Zionists,” “Palestine is free,” and “They are killers” at people wearing red shirts who were helping someone on the ground.

Other images showed thick black smoke rising above a park.

Redfearn said the first calls reported a man with a weapon and people being set on fire. Police responded quickly and found several injured people, some with burns.

The suspect was taken into custody without any resistance.

The Anti-Defamation League said on X that it was aware of the reports and confirmed the incident happened during the “Boulder Run for Their Lives”, a weekly event where Jewish community members walk or run in support of Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.