Man attacks protesters in Israeli captive demonstration in US
A man shouting “free Palestine” attempted to torch demonstrators at a protest carried out in solidarity with Israeli captives, causing at least eight people to suffer injuries on June 1st in Colorado, according to Al-Monitor.
The FBI said it was probing the attack as a “targeted terror attack.” Authorities took the 45-year-old suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, into custody.
The Jewish group, the Anti-Defamation League described the incident as a “violent antisemitic attack.” Mark Michalek, who is an FBI agent, said the attack took place at peaceful event which takes place every week. The victims were four men and four women.
Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn informed reporters that “at least one victim was very seriously injured, probably safe to say critical condition.” Redfearn said the suspect also sustained injuries before authorities arrested him.
The attack happened during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. It occurred nearly a fortnight after a deadly shooting of two Israeli embassy workers outside a Jewish museum in Washington. Police arrested a 31-year-old suspect who shouted “Free Palestine.” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser called it “a hate crime.”
Hakeem Jeffries called the incident an attack on “the Jewish community in America” and an “unconscionable act of terror,” The Guardian reported on June 2nd. The House Democratic leader said on X: “As residents of Boulder gathered on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot to raise awareness for the hostages still being held captive in Gaza, the peacefulness of their assembly was shattered.”
Several Colorado politicians condemned the violence. Jason Crow, a Democratic lawmaker, categorised the attack as “targeted political violence at the Jewish community meant to spread fear.” He added: “Antisemitism is real. Sadly, it’s on the rise in America.”
These reactions show a national struggle to address politically-motivated violence. At the same time, they raise concerns about protecting constitutional rights and civil liberties.
Previously, the US Justice Department was divided over how to respond to student activism, with some pushing for Columbia University’s student protestors to face consequences, Middle East Eye via The New York Times reported on May 1st. Others had argued such actions are unjustified and infringe on First Amendment rights.
Al-Monitor, The Guardian, Middle East Eye via The New York Times
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