Muslim civil rights and advocacy group also rejects ‘cynical and hypocritical’ attempts to use attack to smear Americans peacefully protesting Gaza genocide
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/2/2025) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Florida chapter (CAIR-FL), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called the attack on the Run For Their Lives march in Boulder, Colorado, a “heinous and unacceptable” crime that does not represent the countless Americans of diverse backgrounds working to end U.S. support the genocide in Gaza.
On Sunday afternoon, a man used what authorities describe as a “makeshift flamethrower” to attack a group of marchers selectively calling for the release of captives held in Gaza. Eight people were hospitalized with burns, Boulder Police said. The victims’ ages ranged from 52 to 88, and they were all taken to local hospitals.
In a statement, CAIR said:
“This attack on the Run For Our Lives march in Boulder was a heinous and unacceptable crime. The person who perpetrated this violence in Boulder is a criminal whose unacceptable actions do not, in any way, represent the countless Americans of diverse backgrounds who are peacefully advocating for an end to the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Peaceful protests, political engagement, and civil disobedience are the only ways to change policies in our nation.
“As we speak out against this unacceptable crime in Boulder, we also reject the cynical attempts by anti-Palestinian racists and anti-Muslim extremists who seek to use this attack to justify their own bigotry and their war on free speech in America.
“Unlike those politicians who have never once condemned any of the shootings, stabbings, car rammings, beatings, and other violence directed at pro-Palestine demonstrators, and who actively support genocidal violence against Palestinians in Gaza, people of conscience condemn all criminal violence against all people, here and abroad.
“That’s called moral consistency.”
About CAIR-Florida:
CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, foster dialogue, safeguard civil liberties for all, empower American Muslims, and form coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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CONTACT: CAIR-FL Communications Director Wilfredo Amr Ruiz, (305) 502-6749, [email protected]
