Molotov cocktail attack on 'pro-Israeli hostage rally' in Colorado

The FBI announced it is investigating a "terrorist attack" in Boulder, Colorado, that the local Jewish community said targeted activists demonstrating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Authorities said six people were hospitalized with burns and other injuries in downtown Denver on Sunday afternoon "after an attack on a group seeking to raise awareness about the Israeli hostage situation in Gaza," according to the FBI. The victims ranged in age from 67 to 88, and their injuries ranged from serious to minor, according to authorities. Two were airlifted to the burn unit of a Denver-area hospital, officials said.

Mark Michalek, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Denver Field Office, identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabri Suleiman. He said witnesses reported that the suspect used a "primitive flamethrower" and threw an incendiary device into the crowd, adding that he was "heard yelling, 'End the Zionists' and 'Freedom for Palestine'" during the attack.

A joint statement issued by Boulder Jewish community groups stated that "a firebomb was thrown at participants in a public rally for the hostages" by a group called "Run for Their Lives." The group's chapters hold weekly events across the United States to raise awareness about the hostages, according to the statements.

Jewish groups reported injuries, but details of the attack remain unclear.

The video showed at least one person lying on the ground, being helped by passersby, while a police officer approached the shirtless man and handcuffed his hands behind his back.

"We are aware of a targeted terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, and are fully investigating," FBI Director Kash Patel said on Channel X. "Our agents and local law enforcement are already on the scene, and we will share updates as more information becomes available."

Police confirmed they were still gathering information about three hours after the attack and were working to determine whether the pro-Israel group was specifically targeted.

For his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: "We stand united in prayer for the victims of this afternoon's targeted terrorist attack in Boulder. Terrorism has no place in our great country."

It's worth noting that the Yolder incident occurred less than two weeks after an attacker shot and killed two employees of the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. According to authorities, the alleged shooter shouted "Free Palestine" and "I did it for Gaza" after committing the murder.