Boulder Antisemitic Terror Attack Sparks Nationwide Outcry: Cities Commit to Standing United Against Hate
Mayors Eric Adams and Steven Meiner ramp up security efforts to safeguard Jewish communities following Boulder antisemitic attack.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams spearheaded urban responses following a recent antisemitic terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, by stepping up security across the city’s Jewish communities. Recognizing New York as the world’s largest Jewish population hub outside Israel, Adams reassured the public that his administration remains vigilant, especially after an assailant violently targeted a group gathered to advocate for the release of Gaza hostages. “Out of abundance of caution, the NYPD is increasing resources at religious sites throughout our city ahead of the sacred holiday of Shavuot. We will not rest until we root out this unacceptable violence and rhetoric from our communities,” Adams stated.
City officials emphasized that Adams’ commitment to protecting New Yorkers goes beyond rhetoric. New York recently established an Office to Combat Antisemitism, the first such initiative by a major U.S. city. The office is designed to aggressively pursue legal action and create a coordinated response to antisemitic hate, with one official calling it “a sledgehammer in this fight.” In response to past attacks, including one targeting Jews in Washington, D.C., Adams ordered a rapid deployment of additional NYPD resources to sensitive areas and condemned what he called “antisemitic propaganda masquerading as activism.”
This heightened alertness is not unique to New York. In the nation’s capital, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office reiterated the importance of broad-based solidarity, stating, “It is not up to the Jewish community to say support us, it is up to all of us to denounce antisemitism in all forms.” Bowser had previously responded to similar attacks by emphasizing community unity and resilience against bigotry.
On the West Coast, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass labeled the Boulder incident “an atrocious affront to the very fabric of our society and our beliefs here in Los Angeles.” She announced plans to convene an emergency meeting at City Hall focused on bolstering safety measures for the upcoming Shavuot holiday and the days that follow.
Meanwhile, in Miami Beach, home to one of the largest Jewish populations in Florida, local leaders have responded with proactive policing. Following a contentious anti-Israel protest in March 2024, the city council unanimously passed legislation to prohibit demonstrators from blocking traffic. Mayor Steven Meiner, himself Jewish, led the initiative, while the police department rolled out a comprehensive operational plan to handle both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Officer Christopher Bess explained, “We increase and augment operational needs as necessary – and we have a specialized unit, the Rapid Intervention Team, that is specialized in [responding to] civil disturbances and protests.”
The Miami Beach Police Department employs a targeted and “methodical and strategic law enforcement avenue” to address protest-related incidents. Bess highlighted that most demonstrations have remained peaceful due to close cooperation between police, event organizers, and city attorneys. The department maintains its commitment to upholding First Amendment rights but enforces a strict policy against escalation and violence, promising immediate action against those who threaten public safety.
After-action debriefings are held to continuously refine response strategies. “After any incident around the country [including Boulder], Intel detectives stay in touch with federal, state and local partners – and based on their intelligence, we’re able to implement any plan that best fits our city,” Bess said. Following attacks elsewhere, Miami Beach authorities increased patrols at religious facilities, built deeper partnerships with local rabbis, and expanded foot patrols across Jewish neighborhoods, sending a clear message: violence will not be tolerated.
To supplement traditional policing, Miami Beach has adopted the use of drones, giving officers “eyes in the sky” to quickly identify potential threats or disturbances, especially during large gatherings or protests. Officer Bess stressed that these measures, along with robust law enforcement planning, contribute to a safer environment for all residents and visitors, reinforcing the city’s reputation as both vibrant and secure.
