Several people were injured overnight Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, when Molotov cocktails were thrown at a march demanding the release of Israeli hostages, according to state authorities.
Footage from the scene shows the suspect, a shirtless man, shouting "Go away" at the marchers and cursing them while holding Molotov cocktails, before being arrested by police.
?BREAKING: TERROR ATTACK BURNS JEWISH CHILDREN ALIVE IN BOULDER, COLORADO
⚠️ CHILDREN SET ON FIRE IN TARGETED ASSAULT ON JEWISH PROTESTERS
I am so disgusted right now with the world we live in.
? Boulder has been plunged into chaos and terror. At 13th and Pearl Streets,… pic.twitter.com/74YEfOIOLA
— Shirion Collective (@ShirionOrg) June 1, 2025
Miri Kornfeld, an organizer with the group Run For Their Lives, which holds weekly marches to raise awareness for the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, said the group was marching on Pearl Street when a man waited near the historic courthouse with bottles and hurled them at the group. Five people were burned, including one woman who suffered severe burns and had to roll on the ground to extinguish the flames. The organization emphasized: "This is not a protest, but a peaceful march in solidarity with the hostages and their families."
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said the male suspect was arrested after police received reports of someone "setting people on fire." He noted that the information was still "very preliminary" and that the suspect had been hospitalized. According to Redfearn, several people were injured, with wounds ranging from severe to minor. Additional footage from the scene showed burn marks outside the old courthouse and a victim being evacuated on a stretcher. Some reports indicated that children were among the injured.
BOULDER, COLORADO - Apparent video shows the suspect in the targeted terror attack holding Molotov cocktails. pic.twitter.com/3LgCGji7tq
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) June 1, 2025
While FBI Director Kash Patel called the incident a "targeted terrorist attack" and confirmed that FBI agents were at the scene, the local police chief said, "We are not categorizing this as a terrorist attack at this time." Redfearn added that it was too early to speculate on the motive. Later, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser stated: "This attack is a hate crime, considering the group that was targeted."
The Jewish community in Boulder issued a statement: "We are heartbroken and saddened to hear that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at marchers who were raising awareness for the hostages being held in Gaza. Our hearts are with the witnesses to this horrific attack, and we pray for the swift recovery of the wounded." The statement added that the community is working closely with Boulder Police and the FBI.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said: "We are heartbroken by the news. Run For Their Lives was the inspiration for us to begin our weekly marches for the hostages. These are difficult days, and we are trying to make sense of the pain and uncertainty around us. Our prayers are with all those affected by this horrific attack."
