Latest news with #AntiDefamationLeague
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
NYC leaders: Boulder flamethrower attack part of antisemitic terror campaign; NYPD on alert
Jewish leaders and elected officials in New York City expressed horror and outrage over the flamethrower attack on Jewish marchers in Boulder, Colorado, and urged federal and local governments to do more to protect communities from growing antisemitic violence. 'We're witnessing a global campaign of intimidation and terror deliberately directed against the Jewish people,' Anti Defamation League CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement. 'Sadly, none of this is surprising. In fact, it's entirely predictable. This is precisely where anti-Jewish incitement leads. This is exactly what vicious anti-Zionism enables. Elected officials, community groups, media platforms, faith leaders — they all need to commit to taking action before this crisis escalates even further.' Greenblatt joined leaders across the five boroughs to strongly condemn Sunday's fiery attack on a small group of Colorado marchers who were drawing attention to the plight of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza. Police in Boulder arrested a 45-year-old Egyptian national who was in the country illegally accused of wielding a makeshift flamethrower on a courthouse lawn where peaceful demonstrators were gathered to raise awareness of Israeli hostages who have remained in custody since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel. Cops said suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman yelled 'Free Palestine' in a brutal attack that left four women and four men ranging in age from 52 to 88 with severe burns. One of the victims was a Holocaust survivor, police said. 'The attack in Boulder is another example of a wave of domestic terror attacks aimed at the Jewish community,' Jewish Federations of North America President & CEO Eric Fingerhut said in a statement. 'This must be the highest priority for the Trump Administration and Congress.' The NYPD was already on high alert after a gunman shot and killed two Israeli Embassy staffers May 22 outside a Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Law enforcement officials described that attack a 'targeted' hate crime. 'We're monitoring the horrific attack in Colorado targeting an event for Israeli hostages,' a police department representative said in a social media post. 'The NYPD has already increased our presence at religious sites throughout NYC for Shavuot with high visibility patrols and heavy weapons teams.' Central Synagogue posted a statement on Facebook noting that 'this marks the second violent attack against Jews in the U.S. in less than two weeks. Antisemtiism and violence are not the answer. Our hearts are with the victimes, their families and the Boulder community.' Local officials expressed their outrage. 'Another act of horrific, vile antisemitism and terrorism in our country, as an individual violently attacked a peaceful crowd in Boulder, Colorado, gathered to call for the release of the hostages still held in Gaza since Hamas' terror attacks on October 7, 2023,' Mayor Adams said in a post on the X social media platform. 'Out of abundance of caution, the NYPD is increasing resources at religious sites throughout our city ahead of the sacred holiday of Shavuot. We will not rest until we root out this unacceptable violence and rhetoric from our communities.' Radio host and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa said the attack was 'beyond despicable.' 'No one should live in fear for who they are,' Sliwa said in a statement. 'Here in NYC, antisemitic hate is far too common, and City Hall has allowed those who spread hate to take over streets and bridges, trying to intimidate our Jewish neighbors. This cannot continue.' City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams called the attack 'devastating and unacceptable.' 'We must always denounce and reject antisemitism, hate and violence in our communities—they make us all less safe,' she said in a statement. 'Praying for the victims of this horrific violence in Boulder, the first responders on the scene, and our communities.'
Wall Street Journal
a day ago
- General
- Wall Street Journal
The Intifada Comes to Boulder
Not all solo acts of terrorism reflect a broader social unraveling, but sometimes they do. When 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman threw Molotov cocktails at marchers supporting Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colo., on Sunday, he was 'globalizing the intifada,' as anti-Israel protesters on campus like to say. Four men and four women in their 50s to 80s were burned in the attack, which used a makeshift flamethrower to set them on fire at midday in a park. According to an FBI affidavit, Mr. Soliman told state and federal investigators he wanted to 'kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead.' Note the nod to campus lingo that he was after 'Zionists.' Violent attacks against Jews have been increasing in frequency since the murderous Hamas assault on Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023, with 9,345 antisemitic incidents in 2024, up from 3,698 in 2022, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Two young Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were murdered last month in Washington, D.C., by a shooter who shouted 'Free Palestine.' The attacks are intended to terrorize the Jewish diaspora and send a message to Jews that they are targets anywhere in the world. Anti-Israel protesters on campus and elsewhere have adopted the use of the inverted red triangle used by Hamas's military wing, the al-Qassam brigades, to designate targets for attack. UCLA protesters carried a sign with the red triangle in a campus march, and it was painted on the apartment building of a Columbia executive.
Fox News
a day ago
- General
- Fox News
Alleged Boulder terrorist overstayed visa, granted work permit by Biden administration
The suspect accused of firebombing peaceful pro-Israel activists in Colorado on Sunday is a noncitizen who received a work permit two years ago from the Department of Homeland Security. Mohamed Sabry Soliman's work permit, given to him during the Biden administration, expired in March, three senior DHS and ICE sources told Fox News. A DHS spokeswoman said Soliman, an Egyptian national, was living in the country illegally at the time of the attack. He entered the United States in August 2022 with a visa that expired in February 2023, the spokeswoman said, noting he applied for asylum during that time. Soliman received the work permit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in March 2023, the sources said. Soliman allegedly injured eight adults, including elderly victims up to 88 years old, at an outdoor mall in Boulder, according to the FBI. The suspect was witnessed shouting "Free Palestine" during the attack and using a makeshift flamethrower to target the crowd, the FBI said. Police said the victims were hospitalized with burn wounds. They had been participating in a Run for Their Lives protest, which, according to the Anti-Defamation League, is a weekly event attended by members of the Jewish community to support hostages held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists. Leo Terrell, a top Department of Justice official in the Civil Rights Division, said one of the victims lived through the Holocaust. "She endured the worst evil in human history," Terrell said in a statement on X. "She came to America seeking safety. And now, decades later, she's victimized again by a terrorist screaming 'Free Palestine.'" Soliman is being detained in Boulder County Jail on charges of murder, crimes against at-risk and elderly adults, using incendiary devices, and assault. In addition to state charges, federal charges are also possible. "Department of Justice agents with local law enforcement are investigating the tragic attack in Boulder, Colorado," a DOJ spokesperson said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by this needless act of violence, which follows recent attacks against Jewish Americans. We will follow the facts and prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law."
CNN
2 days ago
- General
- CNN
Suspect threw a flamethrower and yelled ‘Free Palestine' in Colorado attack, FBI says
Update: Date: Title: FBI is conducting "court-authorized law enforcement activity" in El Paso County, Colorado Content: The FBI's Denver branch is conducting 'court-authorized law enforcement activity' in El Paso County, Colorado, related to Sunday's attack. The agency announced the activity on X. 'As this is an ongoing investigation, no additional information is available at this time,' reads the post. El Paso County is a little over 100 miles from Boulder. Update: Date: Title: A suspect is in custody following an antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado. Here's what we know Content: The FBI is investigating what officials are calling an antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, during a weekly gathering of Jewish community members. Six people were injured, according to Boulder police. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd and also yelled 'Free Palestine,' FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Michalek said Sunday during a news conference. Here's what we know: The attack: The incident took place during a Boulder Run for Their Lives event – a weekly gathering of Jewish community members meant to support the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Victims: Six victims, ranging in age from 67 to 88, were injured in the Sunday attack, according to the FBI. One victim was 'very seriously injured,' according to Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn. Four victims were taken to Boulder Community Hospital. Two victims were airlifted to the Denver metro area, the chief said. All six victims are still being treated. The suspect: Soliman, 45, acted alone and is not part of a larger group or network, Michalek said. In 2005, he was denied a visa to enter the United States, sources tell CNN. It's unclear when or how the suspect entered the US. Potential charges: Soliman will be charged in the coming days, according to Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty. Federal criminal charges are expected in the case, according to a CNN source familiar with the investigation. It is unclear if Soliman has an attorney at this time. Update: Date: Title: Stephen Miller says suspect had "illegally overstayed" tourist visa Content: White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said the suspect in Sunday's attack had 'illegally overstayed' a tourist visa. 'He was granted a tourist visa by the Biden Administration and then he illegally overstayed that visa,' Miller wrote in a post on X. 'In response, the Biden Administration gave him a work permit.' Miller characterized the suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, as an 'illegal alien.' Law enforcement sources previously told CNN that the suspect had applied for asylum and been rejected for a visa in 2005. It's unclear how and when the suspect entered the US. CNN has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for information about the suspect's immigration status. Update: Date: Title: Gov. Polis condemns the "heinous" attack in Boulder that left six injured Content: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis condemned the attack in Boulder that left at least six injured Sunday. 'Boulder is strong. We have overcome tragedies together and will get through this together as a community. I've spoken with Boulder Mayor Brockett, and my administration is working closely with local and federal law enforcement on this afternoon's attack,' Polis said Sunday. 'As the Jewish community reels from the recent antisemitic murders in Washington, DC, it is unfathomable that the community is facing another antisemitic attack here in Boulder, on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot,' he added. Polis, who is Jewish, married his longtime partner in a traditional Jewish ceremony in 2021. 'Several individuals were brutally attacked while peacefully drawing attention to the plight of hostages who have been held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 604 days. Hate is unacceptable in our Colorado for all, and I condemn this act of terror. The suspect should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,' he said. Update: Date: Title: Suspect had applied for asylum in US and was denied a visa, law enforcement sources say Content: The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, in Sunday's attack had previously applied for asylum in the US, law enforcement sources told CNN. Soliman was denied a visa to enter the country in 2005, the sources told CNN. It's unclear when or how the suspect entered the US. Update: Date: Title: Witness describes seeing a "big fire go up' after attack Content: A witness to Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, described seeing a 'big fire go up' in an interview with CNN affiliate KUSA. Brooke Coffman told KUSA she was on the phone with her mother during her lunch break, approximately 100 to 150 feet away from the courthouse, when she 'saw some flags moving around,' 'people wrestling,' and 'like someone was getting beat up or something.' When she saw the flames, Coffman said she hung up on her mother, ran over to the area and called 911. 'There was a kid yelling, 'Call 911,'' she recalled. 'People on the street were just yelling, 'Call 911.' People were running.' Coffman told KUSA she jumped over a small fence to get to two women who were 'rolling around a bit' on the grass and in their underwear from stripping their pants. She asked how she could help and saw how extensive their burns were. 'They have really bad burns all up on their legs,' she said. One of the victims was screaming and 'was wrapped in a flag.' 'It just wasn't a good scene and she was, definitely needed help,' she said. 'It was just not obviously a good thing to see.' Update: Date: Title: NYPD increased security at religious sites for Shavuot Content: The New York Police Department said its presence is increased at synagogues and other religious sites across New York City for the Jewish holiday Shavuot, following Sunday's antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado. 'The NYPD has already increased our presence at religious sites throughout NYC for Shavuot with high visibility patrols and heavy weapons terms,' the Department announced in a post on X. Shavuot began Sunday evening. Increased NYPD patrols have been deployed to synagogues and mosques on multiple occasions since the start of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza on October 7, 2023. New York state is home to the largest population of Jews outside of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while also boasting one of the country's largest populations of Arabs and Muslims. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security had previously reported increased reports of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and anti-Arab threats following the start of the war. Update: Date: Title: Attacker will be charged in the coming days, Boulder County DA says Content: The suspect arrested today for allegedly setting several people on fire in Boulder, Colorado, will be charged soon, according to Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, who did not specify whether the charges would be federal. 'In the coming days, decisions will be made about what charges to file and where,' Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in a press briefing. 'There's a couple different options, but what I would stress now, most importantly, is we are fully united 100% in making sure the charges we bring hold the attacker fully accountable.' Federal criminal charges are expected in the case, according to a CNN source familiar with the investigation. The source stressed potential mental health concerns have not yet been ruled out, which could factor into any charging decision. Update: Date: Title: FBI: Suspect yelled 'Free Palestine' during attack and used "makeshift flamethrower' Content: Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, that left several injured, reportedly threw Molotov cocktails and used what authorities called 'a makeshift flamethrower.' 'This attack happened at a regularly scheduled, weekly peaceful event,' FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark D. Michalek said Sunday during a news conference. 'Witnesses are reporting that the subject used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd.' It is unclear if Soliman has an attorney at this time. Authorities said Soliman was injured during the attack and was taken to a hospital. 'The FBI shares in the sorrow of the Boulder community, especially to those who have family or friends injured in this tragedy,' Michalek said. Update: Date: Title: Attack follows killing of two Israeli embassy staffers Content: Sunday's attack comes little over a week after the fatal shooting of two staffers at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. The accused gunman, Elias Rodriguez, faces several federal murder charges, after authorities say he shot Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30 as they left an event at the Jewish Museum. Rodriguez reportedly shouted 'Free Palestine' as he was arrested. The Department of Justice is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Both attacks come amid heightened tensions in the US during Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. Speaking at a Sunday news conference, FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said, 'Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country.' 'This is an example of how perpetrators of violence continue to threaten communities across our nation.' Update: Date: Title: Investigators do not believe there is an additional suspect at large Content: Law enforcement does not believe there is an additional suspect after a man was arrested earlier today after reportedly setting people on fire in Boulder, Colorado. 'At this point, we do not believe that there is an additional suspect at large,' Boulder Police Chief Michael Redfearn said. When asked if there was evidence the suspect acted as part of a 'greater network' or specific group, Mark Michalek with the FBI said, 'Not at this time.' 'The subject is in custody, but this will be a thorough and complete investigation, and those checks are ongoing,' Michalek said. Update: Date: Title: 1 victim "very seriously" injured Content: One victim in Sunday's attack was 'very seriously injured,' according to Boulder police chief Michael Redfearn. Four victims were taken to Boulder Community Hospital. Two victims were airlifted to the Denver metro area, the chief said. All six victims are still being treated. 'Our thoughts are heavily focused on their recovery,' he added. Update: Date: Title: "Our hearts go out to everyone affected today," Boulder police chief says Content: 'Our hearts go out to everyone affected today,' Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said at a Sunday news conference. 'We understand that this has a ripple effect in many communities, and we are continuing to to stand with and support the victims affected today by this attack,' he said. 'Boulder is not immune to tragedy, sadly, and I know a lot of people are scared right now,' the police chief said. 'A lot of people are upset and questioning how this happened and why. All I know is Boulder has recovered before, from acts of violence, and we will again recover.' Update: Date: Title: Suspect identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman Content: The suspect in Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, age 45. The suspect was heard to have yelled 'Free Palestine' during the attack, FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark D. Michalek said Sunday during a news conference following the incident. Update: Date: Title: Trump briefed on Boulder attack, White House says Content: President Donald Trump has been briefed on the attack in Boulder, Colorado, where multiple people were set on fire at a march for Israeli hostages, a White House official tells CNN. The official did not comment further on the matter. His Federal Bureau of Investigation director, Kash Patel, has referred to the incident as a 'targeted terror attack.' Local officials declined to do so at this time, saying that the investigation is ongoing. The reported attack took place at the Boulder Run for Their Lives event, the Anti-Defamation League said on social media. The weekly gathering of Jewish community members is meant to support the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023. Update: Date: Title: DOJ says it will "prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law' as it investigates Boulder incident Content: The Department of Justice says it is working with local law enforcement to investigate Sunday's incident in Boulder, Colorado, saying it will 'follow the facts' and 'prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.' 'Department of Justice agents with local law enforcement are investigating the tragic attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by this needless act of violence, which follows recent attacks against Jewish Americans. We will follow the facts and prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law,' a Department of Justice spokesperson said in a statement. FBI agents and federal prosecutors are currently reviewing the circumstances of the incident to determine whether the individual will be charged with terrorism or under other possible federal criminal statutes, a source familiar with the investigation told CNN. FBI leadership was quick to label the incident as terrorism; however, local law enforcement officials said earlier at a news conference that the motive remained under investigation. Update: Date: Title: FBI and Boulder Police to give update on antisemitic attack at 8:30 p.m. ET Content: The FBI and the Boulder Police Department will give an update on an antisemitic attack Sunday during a march in support of the Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado. The press conference will be at 6:30 p.m. MT / 8:30 p.m. ET at police headquarters in Boulder. Multiple people were injured after being set on fire during the march. Police have one suspect in custody and continue to investigate the incident. Update: Date: Title: A suspect is in custody after a man reportedly set people on fire in Boulder, Colorado. Here's what to know Content: A man reportedly set people on fire in Boulder, Colorado, leaving multiple individuals injured as people gathered for a demonstration in support of the Israeli hostages. A suspect is in custody and police are investigating what FBI officials immediately called 'a targeted terror attack' — though the local authorities said it was too early to define the attack. 'When we arrived, we encountered multiple victims … with injuries consistent with burns,' Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said Sunday. The reported attack took place at the Boulder Run for Their Lives event, the Anti-Defamation League said on social media. The weekly gathering of Jewish community members is meant to support the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023. At least two individuals have been taken to the hospital, according to law enforcement officials. Federal response: While the suspect has not been identified by police, federal charges are expected in the case, a source familiar with the investigation tells CNN. FBI agents and federal prosecutors are currently reviewing the circumstances of the incident to determine whether the individual will be charged with terrorism or under other possible federal criminal statutes, the source said. FBI director Kash Patel said in a social media post that '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.'
CNN
2 days ago
- General
- CNN
Suspect threw a flamethrower and yelled ‘Free Palestine' in Colorado attack, FBI says
Update: Date: 4 min ago Title: A suspect is in custody following an antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado. Here's what we know Content: The FBI is investigating what officials are calling an antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, during a weekly gathering of Jewish community members. Six people were injured, according to Boulder police. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd and also yelled 'Free Palestine,' FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Michalek said Sunday during a news conference. Here's what we know: The attack: The incident took place during a Boulder Run for Their Lives event – a weekly gathering of Jewish community members meant to support the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Victims: Six victims, ranging in age from 67 to 88, were injured in the Sunday attack, according to the FBI. One victim was 'very seriously injured,' according to Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn. Four victims were taken to Boulder Community Hospital. Two victims were airlifted to the Denver metro area, the chief said. All six victims are still being treated. The suspect: Soliman, 45, acted alone and is not part of a larger group or network, Michalek said. In 2005, he was denied a visa to enter the United States, sources tell CNN. It's unclear when or how the suspect entered the US. Potential charges: Soliman will be charged in the coming days, according to Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty. Federal criminal charges are expected in the case, according to a CNN source familiar with the investigation. It is unclear if Soliman has an attorney at this time. Update: Date: 4 min ago Title: Stephen Miller says suspect had "illegally overstayed" tourist visa Content: White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said the suspect in Sunday's attack had 'illegally overstayed' a tourist visa. 'He was granted a tourist visa by the Biden Administration and then he illegally overstayed that visa,' Miller wrote in a post on X. 'In response, the Biden Administration gave him a work permit.' Miller characterized the suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, as an 'illegal alien.' Law enforcement sources previously told CNN that the suspect had applied for asylum and been rejected for a visa in 2005. It's unclear how and when the suspect entered the US. CNN has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for information about the suspect's immigration status. Update: Date: 24 min ago Title: Gov. Polis condemns the "heinous" attack in Boulder that left six injured Content: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis condemned the attack in Boulder that left at least six injured Sunday. 'Boulder is strong. We have overcome tragedies together and will get through this together as a community. I've spoken with Boulder Mayor Brockett, and my administration is working closely with local and federal law enforcement on this afternoon's attack,' Polis said Sunday. 'As the Jewish community reels from the recent antisemitic murders in Washington, DC, it is unfathomable that the community is facing another antisemitic attack here in Boulder, on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot,' he added. Polis, who is Jewish, married his longtime partner in a traditional Jewish ceremony in 2021. 'Several individuals were brutally attacked while peacefully drawing attention to the plight of hostages who have been held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 604 days. Hate is unacceptable in our Colorado for all, and I condemn this act of terror. The suspect should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,' he said. Update: Date: 31 min ago Title: Suspect had applied for asylum in US and was denied a visa, law enforcement sources say Content: The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, in Sunday's attack had previously applied for asylum in the US, law enforcement sources told CNN. Soliman was denied a visa to enter the country in 2005, the sources told CNN. It's unclear when or how the suspect entered the US. Update: Date: 34 min ago Title: Witness describes seeing a "big fire go up' after attack Content: A witness to Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, described seeing a 'big fire go up' in an interview with CNN affiliate KUSA. Brooke Coffman told KUSA she was on the phone with her mother during her lunch break, approximately 100 to 150 feet away from the courthouse, when she 'saw some flags moving around,' 'people wrestling,' and 'like someone was getting beat up or something.' When she saw the flames, Coffman said she hung up on her mother, ran over to the area and called 911. 'There was a kid yelling, 'Call 911,'' she recalled. 'People on the street were just yelling, 'Call 911.' People were running.' Coffman told KUSA she jumped over a small fence to get to two women who were 'rolling around a bit' on the grass and in their underwear from stripping their pants. She asked how she could help and saw how extensive their burns were. 'They have really bad burns all up on their legs,' she said. One of the victims was screaming and 'was wrapped in a flag.' 'It just wasn't a good scene and she was, definitely needed help,' she said. 'It was just not obviously a good thing to see.' Update: Date: 42 min ago Title: NYPD increased security at religious sites for Shavuot Content: The New York Police Department said its presence is increased at synagogues and other religious sites across New York City for the Jewish holiday Shavuot, following Sunday's antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado. 'The NYPD has already increased our presence at religious sites throughout NYC for Shavuot with high visibility patrols and heavy weapons terms,' the Department announced in a post on X. Shavuot began Sunday evening. Increased NYPD patrols have been deployed to synagogues and mosques on multiple occasions since the start of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza on October 7, 2023. New York state is home to the largest population of Jews outside of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while also boasting one of the country's largest populations of Arabs and Muslims. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security had previously reported increased reports of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and anti-Arab threats following the start of the war. Update: Date: 36 min ago Title: Attacker will be charged in the coming days, Boulder County DA says Content: The suspect arrested today for allegedly setting several people on fire in Boulder, Colorado, will be charged soon, according to Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, who did not specify whether the charges would be federal. 'In the coming days, decisions will be made about what charges to file and where,' Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in a press briefing. 'There's a couple different options, but what I would stress now, most importantly, is we are fully united 100% in making sure the charges we bring hold the attacker fully accountable.' Federal criminal charges are expected in the case, according to a CNN source familiar with the investigation. The source stressed potential mental health concerns have not yet been ruled out, which could factor into any charging decision. Update: Date: 4 min ago Title: Suspect reportedly yelled 'Free Palestine' during attack and used "makeshift flamethrower': FBI Content: Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, that left several injured, reportedly used what authorities called 'a makeshift flamethrower.' 'This attack happened at a regularly scheduled, weekly peaceful event,' FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark D. Michalek said Sunday during a news conference. 'Witnesses are reporting that the subject used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd.' It is unclear if Soliman has an attorney at this time. Authorities said Soliman was injured during the attack and was taken to a hospital. 'The FBI shares in the sorrow of the Boulder community, especially to those who have family or friends injured in this tragedy,' Michalek said. Update: Date: 48 min ago Title: Attack follows killing of two Israeli embassy staffers Content: Sunday's attack comes little over a week after the fatal shooting of two staffers at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. The accused gunman, Elias Rodriguez, faces several federal murder charges, after authorities say he shot Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30 as they left an event at the Jewish Museum. Rodriguez reportedly shouted 'Free Palestine' as he was arrested. The Department of Justice is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Both attacks come amid heightened tensions in the US during Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. Speaking at a Sunday news conference, FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said, 'Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country.' 'This is an example of how perpetrators of violence continue to threaten communities across our nation.' Update: Date: 1 hr 5 min ago Title: Investigators do not believe there is an additional suspect at large Content: Law enforcement does not believe there is an additional suspect after a man was arrested earlier today after reportedly setting people on fire in Boulder, Colorado. 'At this point, we do not believe that there is an additional suspect at large,' Boulder Police Chief Michael Redfearn said. When asked if there was evidence the suspect acted as part of a 'greater network' or specific group, Mark Michalek with the FBI said, 'Not at this time.' 'The subject is in custody, but this will be a thorough and complete investigation, and those checks are ongoing,' Michalek said. Update: Date: 1 hr 9 min ago Title: 1 victim "very seriously" injured Content: One victim in Sunday's attack was 'very seriously injured,' according to Boulder police chief Michael Redfearn. Four victims were taken to Boulder Community Hospital. Two victims were airlifted to the Denver metro area, the chief said. All six victims are still being treated. 'Our thoughts are heavily focused on their recovery,' he added. Update: Date: 1 hr 15 min ago Title: "Our hearts go out to everyone affected today," Boulder police chief says Content: 'Our hearts go out to everyone affected today,' Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said at a Sunday news conference. 'We understand that this has a ripple effect in many communities, and we are continuing to to stand with and support the victims affected today by this attack,' he said. 'Boulder is not immune to tragedy, sadly, and I know a lot of people are scared right now,' the police chief said. 'A lot of people are upset and questioning how this happened and why. All I know is Boulder has recovered before, from acts of violence, and we will again recover.' Update: Date: 1 hr 18 min ago Title: Suspect identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman Content: The suspect in Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado, has been identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, age 45. The suspect was heard to have yelled 'Free Palestine' during the attack, FBI Denver Special Agent-in-Charge Mark D. Michalek said Sunday during a news conference following the incident. Update: Date: 1 hr 17 min ago Title: Trump briefed on Boulder attack, White House says Content: President Donald Trump has been briefed on the attack in Boulder, Colorado, where multiple people were set on fire at a march for Israeli hostages, a White House official tells CNN. The official did not comment further on the matter. His Federal Bureau of Investigation director, Kash Patel, has referred to the incident as a 'targeted terror attack.' Local officials declined to do so at this time, saying that the investigation is ongoing. The reported attack took place at the Boulder Run for Their Lives event, the Anti-Defamation League said on social media. The weekly gathering of Jewish community members is meant to support the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023. Update: Date: 1 hr 35 min ago Title: DOJ says it will "prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law' as it investigates Boulder incident Content: The Department of Justice says it is working with local law enforcement to investigate Sunday's incident in Boulder, Colorado, saying it will 'follow the facts' and 'prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.' 'Department of Justice agents with local law enforcement are investigating the tragic attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by this needless act of violence, which follows recent attacks against Jewish Americans. We will follow the facts and prosecute all perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law,' a Department of Justice spokesperson said in a statement. FBI agents and federal prosecutors are currently reviewing the circumstances of the incident to determine whether the individual will be charged with terrorism or under other possible federal criminal statutes, a source familiar with the investigation told CNN. FBI leadership was quick to label the incident as terrorism; however, local law enforcement officials said earlier at a news conference that the motive remained under investigation. Update: Date: 1 hr 46 min ago Title: FBI and Boulder Police to give update on antisemitic attack at 8:30 p.m. ET Content: The FBI and the Boulder Police Department will give an update on an antisemitic attack Sunday during a march in support of the Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado. The press conference will be at 6:30 p.m. MT / 8:30 p.m. ET at police headquarters in Boulder. Multiple people were injured after being set on fire during the march. Police have one suspect in custody and continue to investigate the incident. Update: Date: 1 hr 14 min ago Title: A suspect is in custody after a man reportedly set people on fire in Boulder, Colorado. Here's what to know Content: A man reportedly set people on fire in Boulder, Colorado, leaving multiple individuals injured as people gathered for a demonstration in support of the Israeli hostages. A suspect is in custody and police are investigating what FBI officials immediately called 'a targeted terror attack' — though the local authorities said it was too early to define the attack. 'When we arrived, we encountered multiple victims … with injuries consistent with burns,' Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said Sunday. The reported attack took place at the Boulder Run for Their Lives event, the Anti-Defamation League said on social media. The weekly gathering of Jewish community members is meant to support the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks in Israel in 2023. At least two individuals have been taken to the hospital, according to law enforcement officials. Federal response: While the suspect has not been identified by police, federal charges are expected in the case, a source familiar with the investigation tells CNN. FBI agents and federal prosecutors are currently reviewing the circumstances of the incident to determine whether the individual will be charged with terrorism or under other possible federal criminal statutes, the source said. FBI director Kash Patel said in a social media post that '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.'
