This resolution formally condemns the violent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, expresses support for the survivors, and calls for federal action against rising antisemitism.
Michael Bennet
Senator
CO
This resolution formally condemns the violent antisemitic attack that occurred during a peaceful march in Boulder, Colorado, and expresses unwavering support for the survivors and their families. It highlights the alarming national surge in antisemitism and affirms the Senate's commitment to combating hate and protecting the rights of all targeted communities. The measure calls for continued federal vigilance and support for those demanding justice and safety.
Senate Formally Condemns Boulder Antisemitic Attack, Calls for Increased Federal Hate Crime Resources
This resolution is the Senate officially taking a stand on a specific, violent event: the antisemitic attack that happened on June 1, 2025, during a peaceful "Run for Their Lives" march in Boulder, Colorado. Think of this not as a law that changes regulations or taxes, but as a formal, high-level declaration of moral and political support. It’s the legislative branch using its voice to acknowledge a tragedy, condemn the violence, and connect it to a broader national issue.
The Official Condemnation and Recognition
The resolution is crystal clear: it formally condemns the attack, which involved a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails, injuring several people, including a Holocaust survivor. This isn't just about the specific incident; the text explicitly notes that authorities are investigating it as an act of terrorism and a Federal hate crime. This formal acknowledgment matters because it validates the trauma experienced by the victims and survivors, confirming that the government sees this as a serious, targeted act against American citizens exercising their First Amendment rights.
Connecting Local Violence to National Trends
One of the most important parts of this resolution is how it frames the Boulder attack within the context of rising national antisemitism. The Senate points out that antisemitic activity in Colorado alone rose 40 percent in 2024, reflecting a disturbing national surge. For everyday people, this means the resolution is drawing attention to the fact that increased threats—whether at synagogues, on college campuses, or during peaceful community events—are a real, growing problem. By making this connection, the resolution serves as a formal alarm bell, recognizing that targeted communities are increasingly living under a climate of fear.
What This Means for Federal Action (and You)
While this resolution doesn't mandate new spending or create a new agency, it does call on the federal government to remain watchful against this rise in antisemitism. Specifically, it asks for federal resources to be used to investigate hate crimes and support targeted communities. In practical terms, this could translate to more focused attention and resources funneling toward the FBI and Department of Justice units that handle hate crimes, potentially leading to faster investigations and better support systems for local law enforcement dealing with these incidents. For anyone who feels targeted or fears for their community's safety, this resolution is the Senate affirming that they stand with the Jewish community and are committed to upholding the rights to freedom of speech and religion for all Americans. It’s a statement that hate and violence have no place here, even if the statement itself isn't a bill with immediate legal teeth.