Colorado Springs, June 2, 2025 — What began as a peaceful protest to show support for Israeli hostages quickly escalated on Sunday when one individual allegedly set several people ablaze, injuring at least six individuals and leaving Colorado Springs stunned by an act of violent disruption.
At a public square in Colorado Springs, demonstrators had come together to raise awareness and call for the release of Israeli hostages believed to be held in Gaza. Eyewitness accounts indicate that an assailant approached the crowd pretending he was part of the event before dousing multiple people with an flammable liquid that ignited with just one lighter spark.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported victims to nearby hospitals, where authorities confirmed six injuries; two in critical condition suffering from severe burns were among them; while four others sustained moderate to minor injuries.
Rachel Stein was one of many who witnessed the attack. “It was absolute chaos,” said Rachel Stein as an observer who witnessed it first-hand. “One minute we were singing for peace; then all hell broke loose, with screaming and flames going out of control everywhere – people’s clothes burning while others tried their hardest to put out the flames with their hands.
Colorado Springs Police Department officers responded swiftly and apprehended a suspect on the scene, although his identity has yet to be released publicly. Officials speculated he is male in his late 30s; charges are currently pending as investigators look into whether this act was politically-driven, hate-motivated, or caused by mental health issues.
“This act of violence is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” stated Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez during a press briefing. “We are investigating all potential motives and working closely with federal agencies to assess if it meets the threshold for domestic terrorism.”
The rally was organized by a local Jewish advocacy group as part of an international campaign to draw attention to civilians held captive by Hamas since the October 2023 conflict. They expressed deep sorrow over what had transpired and called for peace instead of revenge.
“Today’s message was one of compassion and solidarity with those suffering abroad. We never expected such an horrific attack would take place right here at home,” the group stated in their statement.
Governor Jared Polis, of Colorado, condemned this incident as “an attack on peaceful expression and human decency”, promising all necessary support to victims as well as seeking justice on their behalf.
Security for similar events planned throughout the U.S. has since been tightened as communities remain on edge and investigators attempt to piece together what motivates the suspect, while victims begin the long journey back toward recovery after what should have been a moment of advocacy and peace.
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