Boulder, Colorado — A violent attack in Boulder has drawn swift and widespread condemnation from U.S. political leaders and Jewish organizations, who labeled the incident a “vile act of antisemitic terrorism.”
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| BOULDER, COLORADO - JUNE 1: Tactical teams get into position following an incident that the FBI is investigating as an act of terror on June 1, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado. A suspect is in custody after reportedly throwing an incendiary device at a group participating in an organized walk near the courthouse to show solidarity with hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images) |
The Sunday afternoon assault left eight individuals injured during a peaceful demonstration calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, reportedly ignited incendiary materials and attacked attendees while shouting anti-Israel slogans, including "Free Palestine."
Suspect Overstayed U.S. Visa
According to authorities, Soliman is an Egyptian national who lawfully entered the United States in 2022 but overstayed his visa. He was arrested at the scene and remains in custody as local and federal investigators continue their probe into what officials are calling a hate-motivated act of terror.
Political Leaders Denounce the Attack
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who is Jewish, issued a strong statement in the aftermath of the assault:
"This horrific, targeted act of hate against the Jewish community is deeply disturbing. Boulder has faced tragedies before, and we will stand strong again. We must unite against all forms of hate."
Governor Polis emphasized that the victims were peacefully drawing attention to hostages still held by Hamas for over 600 days and condemned the attack as “an act of terror.”
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser echoed these sentiments, asserting the attack was fueled by hate and intolerance.
Senators and Congressional Leaders Speak Out
U.S. Senators from Colorado, Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, both Democrats, expressed shock and outrage.
"This type of hate has no home in Colorado or anywhere in America," Hickenlooper said.
"My heart goes out to the victims and their families. Violence and hate will not be tolerated," Bennet added.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, called the attack a "vile, antisemitic act of terror" and linked it to a disturbing trend of rising antisemitism in the United States.
“When antisemitism goes unchecked, it leads to hatred and violence. The Jewish community is once again mourning during a sacred time,” Schumer said, referencing the Shavuot holiday.
House Leaders: 'This Violence Must End'
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-LA, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY, both denounced the attack, uniting across party lines to condemn antisemitic violence.
"We will not let terrorist sympathizers silence the Jewish people or their supporters," Johnson stated.
"This despicable act shattered a peaceful vigil on the eve of Shavuot. Antisemitism has no place in America—or anywhere else," Jeffries declared.
New York and Federal Agencies Respond
New York City Mayor Eric Adams described the incident as a "horrific, vile act of antisemitism and terrorism." He announced that NYPD would increase patrols at religious institutions as a precaution ahead of the Jewish holiday.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that DHS is monitoring the situation and coordinating with the FBI.
“This violence must stop. We are praying for the victims and their families,” Noem said.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that agents are actively involved in the investigation, calling it a "targeted terror attack."
Jewish Organizations Call for National Action
The Israeli-American Council, American Jewish Committee, and other Jewish advocacy groups spoke out strongly, emphasizing the need to combat antisemitic rhetoric before it leads to more violence.
“This was a brutal attack on innocent people advocating for hostage release. Hateful language fuels hateful actions. We must act now,” said Elan Carr, CEO of the Israeli-American Council.
The American Jewish Committee called it “another vile assault on Jews in America,” adding, “Enough is enough—this hatred must be stopped before more lives are shattered.”
A Growing Pattern of Antisemitic Violence
The Boulder attack comes just weeks after a fatal antisemitic incident in Washington, D.C., contributing to a troubling pattern of increased violence targeting Jewish individuals and communities across the United States. With the attack coinciding with Shavuot, a holiday symbolizing renewal and unity, many Jewish Americans woke up to what should have been a day of celebration marked instead by fear and mourning.
Conclusion
The Boulder terror attack has become a national flashpoint, reigniting urgent conversations about rising antisemitism, hate-fueled violence, and community safety in the United States. As political and religious leaders continue to issue statements of support and calls for justice, Jewish communities across the country remain vigilant—and united.
