The bustling Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado became a scene of chaos Saturday afternoon when what authorities are now investigating as a suspected terror attack left 12 people injured and a community shaken to its core. Witnesses described a sudden explosion followed by panicked crowds fleeing the popular shopping district as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
“I heard what sounded like a thunderclap, then saw smoke rising near the central plaza,” said Emma Lawson, 32, who was shopping with her daughter when the explosion occurred. “Everyone started running at once. It was terrifying not knowing what was happening or where to go.”
Federal Bureau of Investigation officials confirmed late Saturday they have taken lead on the investigation, working alongside the Boulder Police Department and Department of Homeland Security. In a brief press conference, FBI Special Agent Marcus Rivera stated the agency is treating the incident as a “potential act of domestic terrorism” while cautioning that the investigation remains in its preliminary stages.
“While we cannot share all details of an active investigation, evidence recovered at the scene suggests this was a deliberate act intended to cause mass casualties,” Rivera told reporters. “We’re dedicating our full resources to identifying those responsible.”
Law enforcement sources speaking on condition of anonymity revealed to CO24 News that the explosive device appears to have been homemade, utilizing materials that could be purchased without raising suspicion. Surveillance footage from surrounding businesses is being meticulously reviewed as investigators work to establish a timeline and identify potential suspects.
Boulder Memorial Hospital reported receiving 12 patients with injuries ranging from minor lacerations to more serious blast trauma. Three victims remain in critical condition as of Sunday morning, according to hospital spokesperson Dr. Anita Sharma.
The attack comes amid a troubling rise in domestic terrorism incidents across North America, with World News analysts noting a 27% increase in such events over the past year. Security experts have long identified shopping centers and public gathering spaces as vulnerable “soft targets” that present particular challenges for prevention efforts.
Colorado Governor Rebecca Mitchell visited the site Sunday morning, pledging state resources to assist in the investigation and recovery efforts. “Coloradans will not be intimidated by acts of violence meant to disrupt our way of life,” Mitchell said. “Our communities stand united against hatred and extremism in all forms.”
The Pearl Street Mall, normally filled with weekend shoppers and tourists, will remain closed indefinitely as investigators process the extensive crime scene. Local business owners are already expressing concerns about the economic impact of the closure, particularly as the summer tourist season approaches.
“This mall is the lifeblood of our downtown,” said Carlos Mendez, owner of a family-run restaurant on Pearl Street for over two decades. “But right now, everyone’s focus is on supporting the victims and helping authorities find whoever did this.”
As federal and local authorities continue their investigation, security has been heightened at public venues throughout Colorado. The FBI has established a dedicated tip line and is urging anyone with information, photos, or video from the area to come forward.
The question now confronting Boulder residents—and indeed all Americans—is profoundly unsettling: how do we balance the openness of our public spaces with the growing need for security in an era when ordinary places increasingly become targets of extraordinary violence?
