Witnesses recount moment hate-filled suspect launched Molotov cocktails at pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado
Witnesses have recounted the horrific moment a hate-filled man unleashed a terror at Boulder's iconic Pearl Street Mall on Sunday, shattering the calm of the usually peaceful college mountain town with Molotov cocktails.
It was just after 1pm when dozens had gathered under clear Colorado skies, walking silently, holding signs and Israeli flags, in a somber march to remember the hostages still held captive in Gaza.
The group, organized by Run For Their Lives, had made such silent walks a weekly ritual since October 7 in a determined show of solidarity. But what had been a peaceful demonstration suddenly turned into a scene of devastation in an instant.
'So we stood up, lined up in front of the old Boulder courthouse, and I was actually on the far west side. And there was somebody there that I didn't even notice, although he was making a lot of noise, but I'm just focused on my job of being quiet and getting lined up,' Ed Victor, a participant in the walk, told CBS Colorado.
'And, from my point of view, all of a sudden, I felt the heat. It was a Molotov cocktail equivalent, a gas bomb in a glass jar, thrown. Av [another marcher] saw it, a big flame as high as a tree, and all I saw was someone on fire,' Victor added.
Brooke Coffman also saw the commotion by the courthouse and thought someone was 'getting beat up.'
'I saw this big fire go up,' Coffman told 9News. She explained how she saw two women 'rolling around a little bit' in their underwear after having their burning clothes stripped off with 'really bad burns all up on their legs.'
Coffman also said another woman was screaming with burns on her legs, while another's face could barely be made out. Another woman's hair was also burned off.
Nearby, Rachel Navarro had just entered the mall when chaos erupted.
'I saw a woman on the ground in severe condition, and two others whose calves were badly burned. The man was still there, spraying the fire with what looked like alcohol, trying to keep it going,' Navarro said to Fox 31.
Another local said the town of Boulder had 'changed' recently.
'Boulder has changed. Pearl Street has changed. It's dirtier than it used to be. It's not as safe as it used to be,' the man said to CBS News.
Witnesses say the shirtless suspect, carrying bottles that appeared to be filled with alcohol, hurled the makeshift explosives at the crowd.
Flames ignited instantly, consuming the pavement and injuring multiple people.
Terrified bystanders rushed to help, dousing the fires and assisting the wounded as thick smoke filled the air.
Shocking video captured the aftermath which saw victims lying motionless on the ground near Israeli flags, their clothing scorched, as first responders worked to stabilize them.
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn confirmed that injuries ranged from minor to potentially life-threatening.
He added that the suspect was taken into custody without further incident and transported to a hospital with minor injuries. Authorities are withholding his identity as the investigation unfolds.
FBI Director Kash Patel quickly labeled the event a 'targeted terror attack' and announced that federal agents were on the scene alongside Boulder police. 'We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado,' Patel said in a statement on X.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed the urgency, calling it an act of terrorism: 'All of the necessary assets will be dedicated to this investigation. If you aided or abetted this attack, we will find you. You cannot hide.'
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, himself a member of the Jewish faith, issued a forceful condemnation on social media. 'I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror,' he posted on X.
Later, in a personal statement on Facebook, he wrote: 'This vicious act of terrorism, on the eve of Shavuot no less, against peaceful marchers drawing attention to hostages held by Hamas, is unfathomable.'
The Jewish community of Boulder also responded swiftly in a statement.
A victim can be seen being doused with water, left, as the suspect continues to rage, center
'We are saddened and heartbroken to learn that an incendiary device was thrown at walkers at the Run for Their Lives walk on Pearl Street as they were raising awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza. Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.'
Run For Their Lives, the group organizing the walk also emphasized the peaceful nature of the event.
'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.'
They group gathered at 1pm at Pearl and 8th Streets, intending to walk the length of Pearl Street Mall and back, with a stop at the old courthouse to sing songs, tell stories, and read the names of those hostages still in captivity in Gaza.
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