An attack at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall on Sunday afternoon has left eight people injured after they were set on fire during a peaceful demonstration advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Authorities initially reported six victims, but this number has since been updated to eight, prompting the FBI to classify the incident as a targeted act of violence and an act of terrorism.
Witnesses stated that the assailant used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into the crowd, reportedly shouting ‘Free Palestine’ during the attack. This chilling incident occurred just before 1:30 PM during a weekly demonstration organized by Boulder’s chapter of Run for Their Lives, a group focusing on hostages taken by Hamas.
In response to the attack, police arrested a 45-year-old man from El Paso County, who was identified by witnesses as the perpetrator. He was taken into custody outside the Boulder County Courthouse and has since been hospitalized before being booked into jail.
Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated that the attacker would face multiple charges, although specifics have yet to be released. He assured the public that the prosecution would seek the harshest penalties possible.
‘We are fully united, 100%, in making sure the charges we bring hold the attacker fully accountable,’ Dougherty expressed during a press briefing following the incident.
The injuries from the attack were serious, with victims including four women and four men, aged between 52 to 88 years. Four individuals were transported to Boulder Community Health hospital, and at least two were airlifted to the burn unit at UCHealth in Aurora. Their current medical conditions remain undisclosed.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn addressed community concerns during the same briefing, acknowledging the fear that such violence can instill in the public and suggesting that while Boulder has faced mass violence before, the community has shown resilience and will recover once more.
Redfearn also emphasized the importance of unity during these troubling times and indicated that appropriate security measures would be assessed based on the attacker’s motives.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, law enforcement cordoned off the area surrounding Pearl Street and issued evacuation orders while conducting a thorough investigation. Reports indicated that a suspicious vehicle was examined as part of the safety protocols, and areas around Pearl were maintained as a secure zone into the night.
In a different yet relevant context, Boulder County Commissioners released a statement condemning the attack, which they deemed a cowardly act of violence.
In their statement, the commissioners also defended the county’s status as a sanctuary jurisdiction amid criticisms from the Trump administration. They refuted claims that such jurisdictions jeopardize public safety, labeling the administration’s narrative as baseless and inflammatory.
The statement highlighted the commitment to human rights and due process, asserting pride in the role of sanctuary jurisdictions. The commissioners pledged to support vulnerable populations and denounced the bullying tactics of federal authorities.
In parallel news, a family of three, including a one-year-old child, was arrested in Denver while leaving an immigration court, raising eyebrows among immigrant rights advocates.
Reports indicate that federal agents detained the family immediately after their immigration hearing, which had concluded favorably when a judge dismissed their removal case.
Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network’s managing attorney, Emily Brock, was present during the incident and described the family’s shock and fear as agents prevented her from communicating with them about their rights.
This arrest strategy employed by federal agents has sparked outrage among advocates, who label it as an unprecedented tactic that strikes at the core of due process.
On a lighter note, Boulder County Courthouse was recently celebrated as a National Historic Landmark for its significance in LGBTQ+ history, particularly for being the site of the first same-sex marriage licenses issued 50 years ago.
Mardi Moore, CEO of Rocky Mountain Equality, expressed the importance of this recognition, emphasizing the courthouse’s lasting legacy in the community.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage a decade ago has reinforced the need for vigilance against potential challenges to these rights, as existing conservative sentiments in the Court raise concerns for LGBTQ+ advocates.
The actual landmark designation was approved by then-Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in December 2024, underscoring its historical significance.
Meanwhile, a second lawsuit has been filed against Colorado’s recently enacted protections for transgender individuals under House Bill 1312, challenging its implications for First Amendment rights.
The Alliance Defending Freedom organization maintains that the new law violates the rights of citizens and businesses by compelling them to use individuals’ preferred names and gender identities, potentially leading to a chilling effect on public discourse.
The lawsuit points to XX-XY Athletics, a company critical of transgender participation in athletics, arguing that the law inhibits their ability to express their message.
In essence, the law amends Colorado’s Antidiscrimination Act to criminalize misgendering and deadnaming, representing a significant move towards affirming the rights of transgender individuals.
As the community grapples with the repercussions of the Pearl Street attack and broader social issues, ongoing vigilance and advocacy are vital in navigating these complex landscapes.
Lastly, two additional cases of measles reported last week have been linked to Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul landing at Denver International Airport.
This recent outbreak raises the total number of measles cases in Colorado for the year to seven.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has urged anyone who traveled on this flight and exhibits symptoms to reach out to their local public health authorities immediately for guidance.
Measles symptoms typically appear within 7 to 21 days of exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and rashes.
As the diverse narratives from Boulder weave together, they reflect a community in need of unity, understanding, and advocacy for the rights and safety of all its members.
image source from：https://kgnu.org/pearl-street-attack-immigrant-family-arrested-in-denver/
