A peaceful walk in Boulder, Colorado, meant to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held by Hamas turned into a nightmare Sunday afternoon when an assailant launched a Molotov cocktail attack, leaving several injured — some with life-threatening burns — in what the FBI is now calling a domestic terrorist attack.

The march, organized by Run For Their Lives, was explicitly non-political and non-confrontational. Participants came to show solidarity with the innocent men, women, and children still being held captive in Gaza. But instead of peace, they were met with fire.

According to local station KDVR-TV, the attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. near Boulder’s popular Pearl Street Mall. Witnesses say a male suspect — now in custody — threw incendiary devices at the crowd. One eyewitness recounted the horror of seeing a woman “burning on the ground” and others whose legs had been severely burned.

Rachel Navarro, who was present during the attack, said the assailant appeared to be deliberately trying to ignite people using spray bottles, reportedly filled with flammable liquid. “He was trying to keep the fire going,” she said, describing a scene of chaos and terror.

Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn confirmed the severity of the incident, saying injuries ranged from minor to life-threatening. CBS News also reported that multiple victims are in critical condition.

In an extraordinary and immediate response, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino identified the incident as a terrorist attack — a rare but decisive move that underscores the gravity of the assault.

“This was a direct attack on peaceful Americans who were standing up for innocent hostages held by a terror regime,” Bongino said in a brief press statement. “Let’s call it what it is: domestic terrorism motivated by anti-Semitism and hate.”

Run For Their Lives, the group behind the walk, emphasized in a statement: “This is not a protest; it is a peaceful walk to show solidarity with the hostages and their families, and a plea for their release.”

The Boulder Jewish community also released a statement expressing deep grief over the violence.

“We are saddened and heartbroken to learn that an incendiary device was thrown at walkers... Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured,” the statement read.

The community noted it is working closely with Boulder police, the FBI, and the Secure Community Network (SCN) to ensure safety in the days ahead.

Despite Boulder’s reputation as a progressive stronghold, this vicious act of violence against Jews and pro-Israel supporters happened in broad daylight in the heart of the city.

This attack is yet another wake-up call about the rise of anti-Semitic extremism in America — and the real-world consequences of the radical anti-Israel rhetoric that is increasingly normalized in left-wing academic, activist, and political circles.

As the investigation continues, many are asking tough but necessary questions: How could this happen in a supposedly “tolerant” city like Boulder? What role does incendiary political rhetoric play? And how many more warnings will we ignore?