US leaders condemn Colorado attack, denounce antisemitism

Political leaders across the United States have strongly condemned a violent incident in Boulder, Colorado, which happened on Monday, June 2, 2025, describing it as a horrific and antisemitic attack.

The incident involved a man, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who allegedly used a makeshift flamethrower and incendiary devices to target participants at a rally.

He was reportedly advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

According to authorities, Soliman reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while attacking the crowd gathered on Sunday.

The event, organized by the advocacy group Run for Their Lives, aimed to raise awareness about individuals abducted during Hamas’s October 2023 assault on Israel.

Federal officials are treating the incident as an “act of terrorism.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that FBI agents are now in Boulder, stating they are responding to what appears to be “a horrific antisemitic attack.”

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries labeled the event “an unconscionable act of terror.”

He emphasized that it specifically targeted the Jewish community.

In a message posted on X, Jeffries noted that the attack disrupted a peaceful gathering held just before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.

Attendees had come together to advocate for the release of hostages in Gaza.

Several Colorado politicians also condemned the assault.

Representative Jason Crow called it “targeted political violence at the Jewish community meant to spread fear.”

He warned that antisemitism is real and unfortunately increasing in the U.S.

Representative Lauren Boebert attributed the violence to escalating anti-Jewish rhetoric.

He argued that when progressive groups tolerate or promote hate speech against Jews, it can lead to physical harm.

She demanded the attack be fully investigated as an act of terrorism.

Senator Michael Bennet expressed support for the victims, saying he and his wife were praying for those injured during the rally.

He described the incident as a horrific antisemitic attack on Coloradans who were peacefully showing solidarity with the hostages held by Hamas for over 600 days.

Representative Joe Neguse also voiced concern, saying the attack underscores how antisemitism has deeply taken root in the U.S.

He alsoand called for increased action to stop the violence.

The attack occurred Sunday afternoon at Pearl Street Mall, near the University of Colorado.

Eight individuals – four men and four women, ranging in age from 52 to 88, were injured.

Some reportedly sustained minor wounds while others were listed in “very serious” condition, according to Boulder police.

CNN, citing law enforcement sources, reported that Soliman arrived in the United States in August 2022 as a non-immigrant visitor.

He was granted work authorization in March 2023, which expired at the end of March 2025.

This was more than two months into President Donald Trump’s current term.

Soliman had previously applied for asylum and was denied a visa to enter the U.S. in 2005.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller described Soliman as “an illegal alien,” accusing the Biden administration of issuing him a tourist visa, which he then overstayed.

Miller’s comments are reportedly part of a larger political discourse around immigration and security.

This is especially as it follows high-profile violent incidents.

The Boulder attack is the latest in a troubling trend of politically and ideologically motivated violence tied to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

On May 21, a gunman killed two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C., shortly after attending an event organized by the American Jewish Committee.

In another incident at UCLA in April 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrators were assaulted by counter-protesters wielding pepper spray, sticks, and fireworks.

This resulted in at least 15 injuries and several hospitalizations.

In December 2023, three Palestinian students were shot while walking near their university in Vermont.

They were wearing keffiyehs, and the attack left one of them paralyzed.

Authorities have stated there is no evidence that Soliman’s actions were connected to any organized group.

He is currently being held in Boulder County Jail and is scheduled for a court hearing on Monday afternoon.

Reports from civil rights organizations reveal alarming trends.

The Anti-Defamation League recorded 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the past year.

On the other hand, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported 8,658 complaints.

Both groups say these figures represent the highest numbers ever recorded in their respective histories.

This highlights growing religious and ethnic tensions in the country.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook