At least six people were wounded in a suspected targeted attack during a peaceful rally in support of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, prompting strong condemnation from local officials and community leaders.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon at an open-air mall on Pearl Street in the town of Boulder, Colorado. Demonstrators affiliated with the volunteer group Run For Their Lives had gathered for their routine weekend march to raise awareness about the Israeli captives still held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Boulder police confirmed that a male suspect, later identified as Soliman, was taken into custody shortly after the assault. While formal charges had not been announced at the time of reporting, officials stated that the suspect would be “fully held accountable”.

The FBI has termed the attack a “targeted terror incident”, while Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn urged restraint as investigations continue. “It would be irresponsible for me to speculate on the motive while witnesses are still being interviewed,” Redfearn said at a press briefing.

However, he confirmed that the victims’ injuries, which range from minor to severe burns, are consistent with being set on fire. All six of the injured are elderly, aged between 67 and 88, according to the police.

“This was a beautiful Sunday afternoon in downtown Boulder on Pearl Street, and this act was unacceptable,” Chief Redfearn said. “I ask that you join me in thinking about the victims, the families of those victims, and everyone involved in this tragedy.”

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary visuals circulating on social media suggest the assailant may have used Molotov cocktails during the attack. Alan Fisher, reporting for Al Jazeera from Washington, D.C., said a man was seen holding two bottles containing a flammable liquid, which he reportedly hurled at the crowd.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and horror. Brooke Coffman, a 19-year-old University of Colorado student, said she saw at least four women suffering burns on their legs. “One woman looked badly burned across most of her body and someone had wrapped her in a flag,” she said, recounting the chaos that followed the assault. “Everybody was yelling, ‘Get water, get water.’”

Two of the injured were airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, while others were treated on site or taken by ambulance.

Authorities have confirmed that the suspect himself sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. However, no details about the nature or extent of his injuries have been disclosed.

The attack has sparked concern amid a broader climate of rising tensions and violence in the United States, fuelled by the ongoing war in Gaza. The conflict has led to a significant uptick in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents across the country.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed outrage over the incident. “Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable,” he said, adding that he was closely monitoring the situation in Boulder.

Boulder's Jewish community also issued a strong statement condemning the attack. “We are saddened and heartbroken to learn that an incendiary device was thrown at walkers at the Run For Their Lives walk on Pearl Street as they were raising awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza,” the statement read.

The United States, a key ally of Israel, has faced mounting scrutiny over its support for Israeli military operations in Gaza. According to international health agencies and rights groups, more than 54,000 people, primarily women and children, have been killed since the Israeli bombardment began, and over 2.3 million residents are now facing famine conditions due to an ongoing blockade.

As of the latest reports, Hamas continues to hold approximately 58 Israeli captives taken during the October 7 assault, a development that has sparked sustained protests and advocacy efforts both within Israel and abroad.