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A suspected act of terrorism during a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, has left eight individuals hospitalized, including a Holocaust survivor, according to the Department of Justice. The attack, described as an incident driven by antisemitism, occurred when 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman allegedly launched a "makeshift flamethrower" and an incendiary device into the crowd on Sunday afternoon.

Leo Terrell, a Justice Department official who leads the antisemitism task force, highlighted the tragic irony that a Holocaust survivor, one of the victims, had escaped historical atrocities only to face similar hatred decades later in the United States. Terrell used social media to draw a parallel between this incident and the recent horrific events of October 7, 2023, when Holocaust survivors were targeted by Hamas terrorists in Israel.

The demonstration, titled Run for Their Lives walk, aimed to raise awareness about the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. During the attack, the suspect allegedly shouted "Free Palestine," causing severe burns to eight individuals whose ages range from 52 to 88, as stated by police.

Six of the victims have since been discharged from hospitals, while two others remain in critical condition but are expected to survive, according to a security source briefed on the situation.

In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed solidarity, stating, "My wife and I and the entire State of Israel pray for the full recovery of the wounded in the vicious terror attack that took place in Boulder, Colorado." Netanyahu also emphasized trust in U.S. authorities to bring the perpetrator to justice and to ensure the safety of Jewish communities.

The incident highlights a troubling rise in antisemitic violence. Earlier this year, alleged antisemitic actions targeting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and the deadly attack on two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., have intensified concerns.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has reported a significant increase in antisemitic events, documenting 9,354 incidents in 2024 alone, an alarming 344% rise over the past five years and an 893% increase over the past decade. This surge reflects the ongoing tension and violence stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, prompting U.S. officials to issue warnings about potential radicalization and mobilization to violence.

This story continues to develop as authorities investigate and respond to this grievous act against the Jewish community.