Federal police are investigating a suspected terrorist attack in the U.S. state of Colorado, after a man threw a flamethrower into a crowd that had gathered to call for the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in Gaza.
Six people were taken to nearby hospitals to be treated for burns.
A 45-year-old man is in police custody.
U.S. police are warning against intensifying violence spilling into the streets over the war in Gaza, after two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead in the U.S. capital two weeks ago.
March
Dozens of people gathered in the Colorado city of Boulder on Sunday (local time) to call for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, who have been held captive by Hamas since October 2023. 58 hostages remain held in Gaza.
Police described the street march as “peaceful”, with Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn saying he “wouldn’t even call it a protest”.
Attack
During the march, the FBI said a man set off a “makeshift flamethrower” and threw Molotov cocktails at the crowd of around 30 people.
A Molotov cocktail is an improvised explosive made of a glass bottle, flammable liquid, and a rag soaked in alcohol. When set alight and shattered, it sparks flames.
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Six people, aged between 67 and 88, were taken to hospital to be treated for burns. Two of the injured were then airlifted to a specialist hospital unit in the Colorado city of Aurora.
Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed it’s investigating the suspected terror attack.
Providing an update at a press conference, FBI special agent Mark Michalek said a 45-year-old man has been detained. The FBI said the man yelled “free Palestine”.
Police have sealed off the streets in central Boulder and the FBI said it’s continuing to interview eyewitnesses.
Response
Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the “hate-filled” attack.
Michalek noted: “Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country.”
Two weeks ago, two employees of the Israeli embassy were shot dead after attending an event at the Jewish Museum in Washington DC.
The 35-year-old suspect also yelled “free, free Palestine” while police arrested him.
