After the horrifying firebomb attack that injured 15 people at a gathering on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, Colorado Governor Jared Polis responded swiftly––condemning the violence, visiting the scene, and standing in solidarity with the Jewish community.
While some political leaders hesitated to label the attack as antisemitic, Polis was unequivocal. Calling the incident “a heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community,” Polis described it as “an act of terror” and “antisemitic violence.” He made it clear that hate has no place in Colorado: “We are united as Coloradans, of all faiths, of all backgrounds, to make it clear that antisemitism, violence, and hate have no home in Colorado. Not today and not ever.”
Polis often speaks of building a “Colorado for all”––a message he echoed again at a vigil at the Boulder Jewish Community Center where he addressed more than 1,000 people and emphasized the right of every person to live and worship safely. Less than 72 hours after the attack, he joined interfaith leaders, local officials, and survivors at a “Stand Against Hate” rally at the site of the violence to denounce antisemitism and call for unity. “Those targeted in Sunday’s attack were targeted for antisemitic reasons and to intimidate members of the Jewish community; in our state, everybody should have their free speech rights respected.”
