Security increased at Boulder Jewish Festival in light of attack
BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR)- The Boulder Jewish Festival got underway Sunday, exactly a week after a terror attack unfolded, injuring 15 people and a dog.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Pearl Street Mall, music filled the air and people could be seen dancing, smiling, and holding hands, showing solidarity at the festival.
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''It's been on my calendar ever since I found out about it,' said Melanie Greenberg.
Greenberg typically comes to the festival every year. This year, she brought her son Daniel Miller because, after the attack, she says this year has a stronger meaning than in years past.
'Seeing this community attacked, you never think it'll happen to people you know or a community you were raised up in,' said Miller.
Chief Stephen Redfearn with Boulder police said, 'Up to this morning, we were constantly evaluating our response.'
In light of the attack, Redfearn increased security, bringing in state patrol and a few dozen officers.
'Not just officers walking around in uniform, but we also got SWAT officers here, we got overwatch in better terms, snipers. We've got drones, we've got K-9s, bomb sniffing dogs,' said Redfearn. 'The goal is to have anyone who wants to disrupt this event, or God forbid, cause additional harm like we saw Sunday, to be very clear, everywhere you look, there's a cop.'
Redfearn said he would rather law enforcement be extra prepared.
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There were a few small counterprotests, but officers told FOX31 that other than banter back and forth, the festival remained peaceful.
'We got teams on standby if, for some reason, we have a protest that went bad,' said Redfearn. 'Our partners with the federal agencies are looking at social media monitoring threats online, so it's a real big footprint.'
Making people show up at the same place where the fire bombings happened a week ago feel safer.
'It's nice; it's a bit of overkill, but I'm thankful for that today,' said Greenberg.
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Miller said, 'It's just sad. I had hate towards me, being Jewish in high school. I had kids say antisemitic things to me and nothing was done about it. It's sad to see it's still happening and getting worse now, but it's nice to see security around and hopefully it will last.'
Attendees say they hope to see the increased security at future events and walks.
Redfearn said that because of the attack, there will likely be more security next year, but hopefully, things will calm down so they won't need an all-hands-on-deck approach.
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