US Politicians and Jewish Leaders Condemn Boulder Terror Attack as Vile Antisemitic Act of Terror

The city of Boulder, Colorado, was left reeling on Sunday after a violent attack during a peaceful rally in support of Israeli hostages held by Hamas resulted in eight injuries. The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, an Egyptian national who had overstayed his visa, was apprehended at the scene after reportedly igniting incendiary devices and targeting demonstrators while shouting anti-Israel slogans, including "Free Palestine."

Officials described the incident as both a "monstrous attack" and an "act of vile antisemitism", sparking widespread condemnation from lawmakers, community leaders, and Jewish organizations nationwide. As local and federal authorities launched a full investigation into what is being treated as an act of terror, the shockwaves extended deep into the community—coming, notably, on the eve of Shavuot, a sacred Jewish holiday marked by learning and unity.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, himself Jewish, decried the assault as a heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community. "Boulder is strong. We have overcome tragedies together and will get through this together as a community," he affirmed. Polis emphasized the need for justice and called for the suspect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The renewed violence intensified long-standing concerns about rising antisemitism in America. Colorado’s senators, Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, echoed the governor’s sentiments, insisting that such hate-fueled attacks would not be tolerated. Senator Bennet stressed, "Hate and violence of any kind will not be tolerated in Colorado," while Hickenlooper reiterated, "Hate of any kind has no home in Colorado."

National leaders also spoke out forcefully. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the Boulder assault as a "vile, antisemitic act of terror," drawing a direct line between this attack and previous incidents, including the recent shooting at the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. "Tonight, a peaceful demonstration was targeted in a vile, antisemitic act of terror. Once again, Jews are left reeling from repeated acts of violence and terror," Schumer said, underscoring the emotional toll such events continue to exact on American Jews. He stressed, "Antisemitism, plain and simple, has no place in America."

House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the attack as "heartbreaking and deeply disturbing" and called for swift justice, stating, "We CANNOT and WILL NOT let terrorist sympathizers win." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries added, "Antisemitism has no place in our nation or anywhere throughout the world. It must be crushed. We stand with the Jewish community today and always."

New York City Mayor Eric Adams ordered an increased police presence at religious sites across New York ahead of Shavuot, citing vigilance in response to the attack although there was "no nexus to NYC at this time." He called the violence in Boulder "unacceptable" and committed to rooting out hatred from communities nationwide.

Statements from former Trump administration officials and federal agencies reflected the seriousness of the incident. The FBI confirmed it is working closely with local authorities, while Department of Homeland Security officials and others updated on ongoing security measures. White House advisors and national security officials offered prayers for the victims and their families, with one describing the event as an "evil and monstrous attack."

Jewish advocacy groups expressed both outrage and deep concern. The Israeli-American Council characterized the attack as "horrific," with CEO Elan Carr warning that inflammatory rhetoric and hateful ideology have repeatedly led to tragedy. The American Jewish Committee described the firebombing as "another vile attack against Jews in America," urging collective action: "Enough is enough."

As Boulder begins to recover, leaders and residents alike are calling for unity, resilience, and decisive action to confront antisemitism in all its forms. The investigation into the attack continues, and authorities have pledged transparency and justice for those affected. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremism and hate, galvanizing communities across the nation to reaffirm the principle that hate has no home in America.