A somber morning in Boulder. So many in our community are hurting today.
An act of antisemitic terror was carried out in the heart of downtown on a sunny Sunday afternoon on Pearl Street. Eight people — most of them older adults and members of a local synagogue — were injured yesterday, at least one critically, when a man, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman of El Paso County, used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into a peaceful crowd gathered for the weekly Run for Their Lives walk.
The FBI says it was a targeted act of terrorism. The suspect reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during the assault.
The attack came just before the start of Shavuot, a Jewish holiday centered on community, learning and prayer. “Tonight, as many prepare to mark the Shavuot holiday, our Jewish community has been subjected to yet another brutal and horrific act of violence,” Boulder’s representative in Congress, Joe Neguse, said. “The scourge of antisemitism has metastasized across our country, and we must do more — now — to stop this hatred and violence.”
Investigators are urging the public to share any videos, photos or tips on www.fbi.gov/boulderattack that may help them understand what led to this horrific act.
We’ll continue working to understand and report on what happened and, just as importantly, what it means for our community and how we got here. You can read what we’ve learned so far in our coverage through last night.
More, Below the Fold:
- Rain returns: Storms today, temps drop tomorrow.
- Pearl Street update: Businesses open via alley only (as of late last night).
- Sanctuary status: County commissioners slam DHS over “baseless” list.
- Creek caution: Barker Dam spill expected any day.
- Meet & Bleat: Goats return for weed control June 12-17.
- Trail news: Shale Trail and Fourmile Link now open.
- Things to Do: Meadow music, wildflower hike, Dinner on Main, Lafayette brews, Longmont Pride, ballet under the stars.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
FBI: Pearl Street attack that injured eight was act of terrorism; suspect yelled ‘Free Palestine’ during assault
Officials say a man used a makeshift flamethrower and threw an incendiary device into a crowd during a Run for Their Lives gathering. Eight people ages 52 to 88 were injured. Two were airlifted to a burn unit. Continue reading…
Boulder antisemitic attack during peaceful walk for Gaza hostages on Pearl Street leaves multiple injured — at least one critically; suspect in custody
FBI head calls it a “targeted terror attack” as Boulder’s Jewish community says it is “shaken” and urges unity and support for the injured. Continue reading…
Rain returns with storms and cooler temps on the way
Rain is back. After a warm start to the week, showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and tonight, with a high near 82. Rain chances continue into Tuesday, when temps will drop to the upper 50s. Expect cloudy skies and a soggy stretch ahead, and pack a rain jacket.
What to know if you work on Pearl Street
As of late Sunday, city officials said businesses between Broadway and 15th Street can be accessed through the north and south alleys — not from Pearl Street itself. If alley access isn’t possible, call dispatch at 303-441-3333 to request a law enforcement escort.
The Emergency Operations Center reopens this morning.
Mental health support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.
Commissioners respond after being labeled a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ by the Trump administration
The Department of Homeland Security published, and then quietly removed, a list of cities and counties it deemed noncompliant with federal immigration enforcement. Boulder County appeared on the list, alongside most Colorado counties. In a sharply worded statement, the county commissioners called the list “baseless,” criticized its “inflammatory language,” and said they were “proud” if supporting due process and human rights is what qualifies as a sanctuary. They noted the county complies with federal law and had received no formal notification.
As CPR reported, several Eastern Plains counties — including Prowers and Kiowa — expressed confusion and frustration, saying they had passed resolutions explicitly stating they are not sanctuary counties. Weld and El Paso counties were removed from the list hours after publication, reportedly after pressure from congressional offices. By Saturday night, DHS had taken the entire list offline.
Barker Dam spill expected soon — take caution near Boulder Creek
With recent rain and snowmelt, Barker Reservoir is expected to begin spilling in the coming days, an annual spring event that raises water levels in Boulder Creek. The high flow can last for several weeks. City officials urge caution near the creek, especially for children and pets, as fast-moving water can be dangerous.
Barker typically spills between mid-May and late June, depending on snowpack and weather. This year’s spill is slightly later due to cooler spring temperatures. The reservoir fills quickly due to its limited storage space. And the volume flowing through Middle Boulder Creek each spring could fill it multiple times.
Goats return to Boulder park for weed control and a meet-and-greet
Hundreds of goats are headed back to Harlow Platts Community Park from June 12–17 to help manage weeds as part of the city’s eco-friendly pest program. This year’s herd, about 300 strong, is the largest yet.
Residents can meet the goats during the city’s annual “Meet and Bleat” event on Saturday, June 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. Advance registration is required.
The goats will graze invasive weeds on five acres of parkland, helping reduce chemical use and support native plants.
Two new trails open in Boulder County
The City of Boulder has opened the Shale Trail, a new three-quarter-mile route climbing from the Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead to the mesa-top, where it connects with Eagle Trail. Open to hikers and equestrians (no bikes), the trail offers spring wildflowers, views, and loops with Eagle or Cobalt Trails. OSMP asks visitors to stay on-trail to protect sensitive plants.
Meanwhile, Boulder County has opened the Fourmile Link at Betasso Preserve. Construction of the stairs is complete, providing a new connection for trail users in the area.
☀️ Explore events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community — for free! To have your event featured on our Monday to-do list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
Meadow Music Concert Series Kickoff: Monday, June 2, 5:30 p.m., Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Rd. Read More.
Container Gardening with CSU Extension: Tuesday, June 3, 5:30–6:30 p.m., NoBo Corner Library, 4600 Broadway. Read More
Avi Kaplan with Guthrie Brown: Tuesday, June 3, 8:00–11:59 p.m., The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St. Read More
Yoga For All: Wednesdays, June 4, 11, 18 & 25, 8:00–9:00 a.m., Colorado Chautauqua, 900 Baseline Rd. Read More
Waterwise and Ignition Resistant Gardening: Wednesday, June 4, 5:00–6:30 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read More
Wildflower ID: Evening Hike: Thursday, June 5, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Chautauqua Park, 900 Baseline Rd. Read More.
Dinner on Main, 2025: Friday, June 6, 5:00–8:00 p.m., Main Street, Louisville. Read More
Boulder County Plein Air Festival Exhibit Opening Reception: Friday, June 6, 6:00–9:00 p.m., The Armory Apartments Community Center, 4775 13th St. Read More
Danse Etoile Ballet: The Hunchback of Notre-Dame: Friday, June 6, 7:30–9:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 7, 2:00–3:30 p.m. & 7:30–9:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Colorado Triathlon: Saturday, June 7, 7:15 a.m., Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N. 51st St. Read More
Flash Foxy Trad Climbing 101: Saturday–Sunday, June 7–8, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Eldorado Canyon Trail. Read More
SummerFest 2025: Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 901 Main St Ste A, Louisville. Read More
2025 Lafayette Brew Festival: Saturday, June 7, 3:00–8:00 p.m., 990 S. Public Rd, Lafayette (Morrell Printing Solutions/Tara Cluck Dance Center). Read More
Longmont Pride Festival: Saturday, June 7, 3:30–8:00 p.m., Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont. Read More
Ballet in the Park: Saturday, June 7, 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, June 8, 2:00 p.m., Boulder Central Park Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Blvd. Read More
Saving Our History Film Festival: Sunday, June 8, 4:00 p.m., Chautauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Drive. Read More