Multiple people have been injured following a “targeted terror attack” involving Molotov cocktails in Colorado, the FBI has confirmed.
Police and the FBI rushed to Pearl Street Mall on Sunday afternoon as suspect attack unfolded while people walked to remember the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
The organised demonstration that was targeted described itself as “a peaceful walk to show solidarity with the hostages and their families”.
Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn said that the man was apprehended following calls to the police dispatch of someone with a weapon who was “setting people on fire.”
It is believed a suspect attacked people with Molotov cocktails, with multiple suffering serious burns.
Footage circulating on social media of the attack shows huge plumes of smoke billowing into the sky as multiple injured people are treated by those in the street.
Some of those clearly burnt were being covered in what appeared to be water in a bid to soothe their burns
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Some of those clearly burnt were being covered in what appeared to be water in a bid to soothe their burns.
A suspect has been taken into custody, but little is known about their identity at this stage.
Police confirmed that the suspect had been taken to hospital.
Redfearn refused to be drawn on the reason behind the attack saying “it would be irresponsible for me to speculate on motive this early on”.
FBI Director Kash Patel just after 5.20pm local time: “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.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said he was “closely monitoring” the situation.
In a statement, he said: “I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror.
Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing into the sky after the Molotov cocktails were hurled
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Multiple people are in hospital with serious injuries
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“Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable.
“While details emerge, the state works with local and federal law enforcement to support this investigation.”
“We are saddened and heartbroken to learn that an incendiary device was thrown at walkers at the Run for Their Lives walk on Pearl Street as they were raising awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza,” a statement attributed to Boulder’s Jewish Community said.
It comes just weeks after a Chicago-born man was arrested in the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, DC.
Police apprehended the suspect at the scene and have brought him into custody
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Someone opened fire on a group of people leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, an advocacy group that fights antisemitism and supports Israel.
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