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The FBI is investigating a “targeted terror attack” in Colorado after a man used a makeshift flamethrower and petrol bombs on a pro-Israel event.
It happened as people in the city of Boulder were holding a walk to remember Israeli hostages in Gaza.
A man is in custody and the FBI said he shouted “Free Palestine” as the attack on Pearl Street unfolded.
Six people aged 67 to 88 were injured – with some airlifted to hospital.
The 45-year-old suspect was holding several bottles
People doused one of the victims with water as police arrested the suspect
The ground appeared burned as the 45-year-old was detained
A large part of the downtown area is cordoned off as dogs and bomb squad officers in protective suits search for potential devices.
Police chief Steve Redfearn said the attack happened around 1.26pm on Sunday and that initial reports were that “people were being set on fire”.
He said injuries ranged from “very serious” to “more minor”.
“When we arrived we encountered multiple victims that were injured, with injuries consistent with burns,” Mr Redfearn told the media.
Phone footage showed smoke rising from a distance
Senior law enforcement officials told NBC News, Sky’s US partner, that at least one person was in a critical condition.
Mr Redfearn said a suspect – who the FBI named as 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman – had been taken into custody without incident.
“This area is not safe yet and we’re dealing with a vehicle of interest,” he added.
Law enforcement used armoured suits as they searched for bombs. Pic: AP
A bomb disposal robot and sniffer dogs were also at the scene. Pic: AP
Pic: AP
Boulder’s police chief said it happened as a “group of pro-Israel people” were peacefully demonstrating.
A joint statement from Boulder’s Jewish community said “an incendiary device was thrown at walkers at the Run for Their Lives walk on Pearl Street as they were raising awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza”.
It added: “Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
Colorado attorney general Phil Weiser said the group affected gathered weekly on Pearl Street to call for the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
A man pinned a sticker of the Israeli flag to a post near the scene. Pic: Reuters
Boulder is a university city of about 105,000 people on the northwest edge of Denver, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
The attack follows the arrest of a Chicago-born man in the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington DC two weeks ago.
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Tensions are simmering in the US over Israel’s war in Gaza.
There has been an increase in antisemitic hate crime, as well as moves by some supporters of Israel to brand pro-Palestinian protests as antisemitic.
President Trump’s administration has detained protesters without charge and pulled funding from elite universities that have permitted such demonstrations.
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