A scene of horror shook the tranquility of Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday when a man was arrested after allegedly setting several people on fire in the middle of a peaceful protest.
The event, which left multiple people injured -some in serious condition-, has been officially labeled as a terrorist attack by the FBI, which has set off alerts throughout the country.
What happened in Boulder?
This Sunday, June 1, an attack rocked the college town of Boulder, located west of Denver, Colorado.
In broad daylight at around 1:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. Eastern), authorities received multiple emergency calls reporting a fire and injuries in the Pearl Street shopping area, an area frequented by families, students and tourists.
When local police arrived on the scene, they found several people with severe burns, Boulder Police Department Chief Stephen Redfearn confirmed at a press conference.
“It was a direct attack. The victims had injuries consistent with first and second degree burns,” the police chief detailed.
An event with possible ideological motivation
🚨BREAKING IN BOULDER, COLORADO🚨
According to multiple witnesses and the Boulder Police Department, an attack occurred at 13th and Pearl Streets, with reports of several victims, including children.
Jewish protesters, known to march weekly to call for the release of hostages,… pic.twitter.com/9MQWI8R5QU
– Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) June 1, 2025
The incident occurred during a peaceful demonstration organized by members of the Boulder Jewish community.
The event, which was intended to demand the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, was abruptly interrupted when the assailant allegedly doused several attendees with flammable liquid and set them on fire.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism and promoting the defense of the rights of the Jewish community, confirmed that the attack occurred during a public activity in favor of Israel.
In its official account on the X network, the ADL condemned the act as “an affront to freedom of expression and community safety.”
FBI considers it an act of terrorism
Kash Patel, director of the FBI, announced hours later that the federal agency has begun a formal investigation and that the incident is being handled as a “deliberate terrorist attack.”
He added that specialized domestic terrorism agents have already been deployed to Boulder to assist local authorities.
Although the identity of the attacker has not been publicly disclosed, police reported that he is an adult male who was arrested at the scene and is in custody.
So far, the exact motive behind the attack has not been confirmed, but authorities assure that “no line of investigation has been ruled out”.
What is known about the injured?
Authorities have confirmed that at least six people were injured, four of whom are in critical condition in Denver-area hospitals.
Their identities have not been disclosed for security and privacy reasons, but it is known that some of the victims were actively participating in the demonstration.
The Boulder Police Department also asked for the public’s cooperation in providing video or testimony to help clarify the facts.
“We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and bringing those responsible to justice,” stated Stephen Redfearn.
Community impact and warning for migrants
Buzzy
For the Hispanic community residing in the United States, these types of attacks represent an important warning about the risks associated with public events, especially in an increasingly polarized national climate.
Although this incident is not directly related to the Latino community, many Hispanics are active in civic, religious and other cause-supporting activities, so it is vital to stay informed, participate safely and know how to respond to emergencies.
Authorities advise all communities, including minorities, to reinforce security protocols at public events, be alert to suspicious behavior and maintain open lines with local authorities.
Estamos comprometidos en garantizar justicia para las víctimas y llevar a los responsables ante la ley
