A suspected terror attack disrupted a peaceful solidarity event in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday afternoon, leaving several people injured after Molotov cocktails were reportedly thrown into the crowd.
++ Muscles once thought pointless found to have purpose
The incident occurred at the popular Pearl Street Mall, a busy pedestrian zone in the city centre. The FBI has confirmed it is treating the attack as terrorism, with agents and local police immediately deployed to the scene.
FBI Director Kash Patel issued a statement shortly after 5.20pm local time, saying:
“We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available.”
Witnesses told CBS Colorado that the attacker hurled incendiary devices at attendees of an event named Run For Their Lives, a gathering held in support of Israeli hostages believed to be held in Gaza.
Boulder Police confirmed that multiple blocks of the Pearl Street Mall have been evacuated, and urged residents to avoid the area between Walnut and Pine Streets while investigations continue. The attack is thought to have occurred at the intersection of 13th and Pearl Streets, with authorities confirming that there are “several victims”. Colorado Governor Jared Polis released a statement condemning the violence, stating:
“Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable. I am closely monitoring the situation.”
Organisers of Run For Their Lives clarified that the event, which began at 1pm local time, was not a protest but a peaceful walk intended to show solidarity with the hostages and their families. A spokesperson for the group said:
++ King’s speech on Canadian sovereignty draws scrutiny from indigenous leaders amid colonial legacy
“This is not a protest; it is a peaceful walk to show solidarity with the hostages and their families, and a plea for their release.”
Photographs from the scene show emergency personnel treating the injured and transporting at least one individual on a stretcher. This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
