ADL Mountain States Reacts to Boulder Attack

Dear Community,

We are heartbroken and outraged by the terrible and shocking attack that happened earlier today in Boulder. We stand with our community with strength and support. Our hearts go out to those who were injured in this heinous attack, and we are praying for their swift and full recovery.

Our team is in regular communication with local law enforcement and community leaders to monitor the situation and provide any necessary support. We commend the swift response from Boulder law enforcement and federal authorities, including the FBI’s immediate classification of this as a targeted terror attack.

From what we can tell so far, this appears to be a targeted antisemitic attack against participants during a peaceful weekly walk called “Run for Their Lives” – a gathering where Jewish community members walk through downtown Boulder to raise awareness for the hostages being held by Hamas. 
At least six individuals suffered injuries, and one individual was airlifted to a burn center to receive treatment for serious injuries, according to law enforcement report.

We call on our entire community to stand with us in this fight against antisemitism. We need to stop this normalization of hate and the targeting of people simply because they are Jewish. 

We are continuing to coordinate with local law enforcement and will keep our community updated. Here is some additional information about the incident from the ADL Center on Extremism. They have reviewed videos of the suspect who threw Molotov cocktails at those gathering in Boulder to express solidarity with the 58 hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists. 

In the videos, we believe the suspect can be heard saying: “How many children have you killed?” “We have to end Zionists” “They are killers” (gesturing toward what appears to be the victims of the attack). According to witnesses and law enforcement, the suspect also shouted, “Free Palestine,” just as we heard in the recent antisemitic attack in Washington, D.C.

The attack comes just hours before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and follows a disturbing national and global trend of antisemitic violence. This is the second violent attack on the U.S. Jewish community in two weeks. First, a young couple was slaughtered in Washington, D.C. Now, a firebomb was thrown at a group in Boulder.

As this investigation continues, we will continue to support our Boulder and Colorado Jewish community during this difficult time, and we will provide information to law enforcement.

We will share updates as they become available, including details on community events that will take place after Shavuot.

We must use this moment as a wake-up call: the rising tide of antisemitism in America demands urgent action from all of us, and we must stand in solidarity together. This fight against hate needs all of us. 

Susan Rona, Regional Director
Sheryl Feiler, Board Chair