A violent attack in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday left eight people injured and drew widespread condemnation from U.S. lawmakers, former Trump administration officials, and Jewish organizations, all calling it a hate-driven act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community.
The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national who overstayed his U.S. visa after arriving in 2022, allegedly set fire to peaceful demonstrators rallying for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Witnesses reported hearing Soliman shout “Free Palestine” and other anti-Israel slogans during the attack. Authorities are treating the incident as a hate crime and terror act, with investigations ongoing at both local and federal levels.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who is Jewish, called the attack “heinous and targeted,” emphasizing that hate has no place in the state. He pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and insisted the suspect be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Attorney General Phil Weiser echoed these sentiments, labeling the act a clear display of hate.
Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, both Democrats from Colorado, also condemned the violence, affirming that antisemitism and hate of any kind will not be tolerated. National leaders including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams issued strong statements denouncing the attack as vile antisemitism and an act of terror.
Former Trump administration officials also responded. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed an active federal investigation, while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reassured the public that federal agencies are monitoring the situation closely.
Jewish groups across the U.S. expressed outrage. The Israeli-American Council called it a “horrific attack on peaceful demonstrators.” Elan Carr, the council’s CEO, warned of the dangers posed by unchecked antisemitic rhetoric, stressing that hateful language often leads to real-world violence. The American Jewish Committee similarly described the attack as part of a troubling trend of rising antisemitic violence, urging immediate and unified action.
The attack comes just weeks after another antisemitic incident in Washington, D.C., highlighting the growing threats facing Jewish communities across the U.S.
Authorities continue to investigate as communities call for justice and unity against hate.
