Chaos in Colorado: Flamethrower Attack at Pro-Israel Demonstration Investigated as Terrorism
FBI Probes Purported Act of Terror: Suspected Violence Incident under Scrutiny - agency is examining potential instance of terrorist act
In Boulder, Colorado, the afternoon saw a shocking display of violence — a suspected terror attack on a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration. The suspect, a 45-year-old male, was quickly apprehended, according to the Boulder Police Chief, Steve Redfearn, who addressed the media. Witnesses anxiously recounted the chilling scene, detailing the use of an improvised flamethrower, an incendiary device, and heard the suspect shout "Free Palestine."
Authorities, at first, stated that this incident was "a targeted act of violence," but swiftly revised their stance, following a late-night press conference, branding it a "targeted terrorist attack." Tulsi Gabbard, US Intelligence Coordinator, and Kash Patel, FBI Director, agreed, employing the term "terrorist attack." Officials such as Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, and Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, echoed their sentiments, categorically labeling it as such.
But while the authorities remain resolute, the local police chief, Steve Redfearn, refrained from speculating about the motive at this early stage. "Today was a sunny day in downtown Boulder, and this vile act was unacceptable," he shared. "I implore you to join me in remembering those affected by this tragedy."
Eyewitnesses report that a pro-Israel group was Assembly at the scene, standing united in support of the Israeli hostages being held in Gaza for nearly two years following a catastrophic attack by Hamas[2]. The police are diligently investigating whether the participants of the demonstration or other individuals were specifically targeted. Reports from CBS News affirm this, citing bystanders who claimed that the assailant attacked individuals participating in the march with Molotov cocktails[3].
The injured victims, aged between 67 and 88 years old, were rushed to the hospital, suffering from burns and various injuries[2]. The suspect himself is in the hospital, recuperating from his injuries.
The Anti-Defamation League also weighed in, postulating that their reports claimed an attack occurred during the "Boulder Run for Their Lives" event, which serves as a weekly gathering of the Jewish community, aiming to raise awareness for the plight of Israel's hostages in Gaza[3]. The Colorado Governor, Jared Polis, via social media, expressed empathy for those "injured and affected by this loathsome act of terrorism."
[1] https://www.andallasstar.com/2024/03/28/flamethrower-attack-took-place-in-boulder-colorado-suspect-in-custody/[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israeli%E2%80%93Palestinian_conflict[3] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boulder-colorado-attack-pro-israel-demonstration/[4] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/03/28/colorado-terror-attack-flamethrower-boulder/11510985002/
Federal police, including the FBI, are working closely with the Boulder Police Department to investigate the terror attack in Colorado as a potential act of politically motivated violence, given its connection to a pro-Israel demonstration. Meanwhile, the politics and general-news landscape are abuzz with discussions on the crime-and-justice implications of the attack, as local and federal authorities continue their investigation into the motive and suspect's background.
