'Squad' Members Condemn Antisemitic Attack in Boulder Amid Ongoing Controversy

Progressive Democrats across the country have issued forceful statements condemning antisemitism in the wake of a violent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, where an Egyptian national set peaceful demonstrators ablaze with incendiary devices during a rally calling for the return of Israeli hostages. The incident, which federal authorities have described as an act motivated by hatred toward the Jewish community, has generated widespread outrage and renewed calls to address rising antisemitism in the United States.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, a prominent progressive voice and potential 2028 presidential contender, responded with a message expressing both horror and solidarity. "My heart is with the victims and our Jewish communities across the country," she stated. "Antisemitism is on the rise here at home, and we have a moral responsibility to confront and stop it everywhere it exists." Ocasio-Cortez's remarks underscore increasing concern among lawmakers regarding the prevalence of hate-driven violence targeting Jewish Americans.

Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota also spoke out, emphasizing the need to stand together against hatred in all forms. Despite past controversies and censure efforts over her own comments related to Israel, Omar unequivocally denounced the attack and expressed sympathy for the victims. "Violence against anyone is never acceptable. We must reject hatred and harm in all its forms," she wrote, aligning with fellow progressives in condemning acts of bigotry and violence.

Other members of the progressive caucus echoed these sentiments. Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, who herself faced a House censure vote last year over alleged anti-Israel comments, stated, "Violence has no place in our communities." Rep. Greg Casar of Texas and Rep. Delia Ramirez of Illinois, both newly elected in 2022, labeled the incident an "antisemitic attack" and called on the nation’s leaders to unite against all forms of hate. Ramirez highlighted the interconnectedness of global and local struggles for peace, insisting that "neither bombing in Gaza nor violence perpetrated in our communities will bring us closer to peace."

Maxwell Frost, a freshman congressman from Florida and the first member of Gen-Z elected to Congress, also publicly condemned the violence, admitting his regret over not supporting a prior resolution against antisemitism on college campuses. "There is no place for this hatred and violence — and we must keep working to end it," he said, alluding to the broader need for unity in confronting political and bigoted violence in the U.S.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, another founding member of the so-called "Squad," also took to social media to denounce the Boulder attack, calling it "horrifying and unacceptable." She stressed that violence is "never the answer" and must be rooted out entirely. In addition to condemning the attack, Pressley criticized former President Donald Trump’s immigration and deportation policies, asserting that such rhetoric aims to "sow fear & chaos" but pledging resilience alongside immigrant justice advocates.

However, not all members of the progressive caucus immediately commented on the incident. As of Monday afternoon, Rep. Summer Lee of Pennsylvania had yet to issue a statement or social media post addressing the Boulder attack. The silence from some quarters has drawn attention, but overall, the progressive wing of the Democratic Party has presented a unified front in strongly rejecting antisemitism and expressing support for Jewish communities in the aftermath of the tragic events in Boulder.

This wave of condemnation arrives amid a national reckoning with rising antisemitic incidents and political violence. Community leaders and elected officials alike continue to call for greater solidarity, vigilance, and action to protect vulnerable communities and uphold the fundamental values of dignity and peace for all Americans.