A terror attack during a peaceful pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, left eight people injured after a suspect allegedly launched Molotov cocktails and used a makeshift flamethrower while shouting antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric. The victims were participating in a “Run for Their Lives” event advocating for the release of Israeli hostages still held from the October 7 Hamas massacre.
Rockland County officials and New York leaders swiftly condemned the attack, calling it a blatant act of antisemitic terrorism.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the violence. “I am deeply saddened by the horrific attack that unfolded during a peaceful walk in support of Israeli hostages,” said Day. “There is no place in our country—or anywhere in the world—for this kind of hatred and violence. We should all stand united against any and all attacks on our country’s fundamental values of safety, freedom, and peaceful assembly.”
The Rockland County Legislature released a joint statement signed by 17 legislators, denouncing what they described as a terrorist attack targeting Jews simply for their identity. “These peaceful individuals had gathered to call for the release of the remaining October 7 hostages. Suddenly, they were targeted by a hate-driven attacker… because they are Jewish. That is the only reason,” the statement read. “We cannot allow this to be normal. We cannot stay silent or passive.”
Congressman Mike Lawler also condemned the incident, calling antisemitism a “vile disease that must be rooted out.” He urged authorities to prosecute the attacker to the fullest extent of the law, stating, “This is a terrorist attack and should be treated as such.”
State Senator Bill Weber echoed the outrage, saying, “Throwing Molotov cocktails at Jewish people advocating for the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas is a vile act. I trust law enforcement will pursue and prosecute this latest act of terrorism to the fullest extent of the law.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul added, “I am horrified by the antisemitic terror attack in Boulder. Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones. The global rise in antisemitism is a danger to all of us, and we will continue to fight it every place it rears its ugly head to keep our Jewish communities safe.”
In a joint statement, Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht and Ramapo Police Chief Dany Hyman emphasized that local officials are taking the situation seriously. “We are closely monitoring the developing situation in Colorado,” said Specht. “We are in direct contact with our detective assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and are actively coordinating with Rockland law enforcement, the Community Security Initiative, and our intelligence partners, including NYPD Intel and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.”
“As a precaution,” added Chief Hyman, “the Town of Ramapo Police Department has already increased patrols for the Shavuot holiday and will continue to do so with heightened vigilance in light of this incident. The safety and security of our community remains our top priority.”