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By Jenna Sundel
News Reporter
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In recent months, the U.S. has experienced a spate of violent attacks allegedly motivated by pro-Palestinian sentiment, including assaults targeting Jewish gatherings and officials.
Significant incidents include an arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor's residence, the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., and a flamethrower assault on demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado. Each raised concerns over the security of Jewish communities and the possible escalation of politically motivated violence.
Why It Matters
These attacks have occurred amid sharply rising reports of antisemitic incidents across the United States, prompting heightened security and increased political scrutiny.
Read More on News
The Anti-Defamation League reported a historic high of 9,354 antisemitic incidents in 2024, a 5 percent increase over 2023. The violence follows the intensified Israel-Hamas conflict, which continues to polarize discourse both domestically and abroad, underlining the intersection of global events and U.S. domestic security.
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What To Know
April 13, 2025: Firebombing of Pennsylvania Governor's Residence
On April 13, Cody Balmer, 38, allegedly scaled the fence at the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and hurled Molotov cocktails made from beer bottles filled with gasoline through windows while Shapiro and his family were present inside.
There were no injuries reported, but the incident led to immediate intervention by authorities. Balmer cited "perceived injustices to the people of Palestine" as his motivation, according to a warrant obtained by ABC News. In a 911 call, he identified himself and said he would not take part in Shapiro's plans "for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people," according to the outlet.
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the attack but declined to immediately label it as domestic terrorism. Balmer faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, terrorism, and aggravated arson.
May 21, 2025: Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staffers Outside D.C. Jewish Museum
On May 21, two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were fatally shot as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, allegedly paced outside the museum before approaching and opening fire. He allegedly shouted, "Free, free Palestine!" while being handcuffed by police.
The event, hosted by the American Jewish Committee, focused on bridge-building in the Middle East and North Africa. Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith said Rodriguez later informed officers of the weapon's whereabouts.
Officials are investigating the attack as both a hate crime and a potential act of terrorism. The victims were described as a young couple planning their future together.
June 1, 2025: Boulder, Colorado, Flamethrower Attack at Pro-Israeli Hostage March
On Sunday, a male suspect, identified as Mohemed Sabry Soliman, 45, allegedly used a "makeshift flamethrower" to attack participants in a weekly pro-Israeli march at Boulder's Pearl Street pedestrian mall, dedicated to drawing attention to hostages held in Gaza. Eight people, aged 52 to 88, were hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to serious. Soliman, an immigrant from Egypt, allegedly shouted "Free Palestine" during the attack.
Federal, state and local officials are working together to investigate the incident. The FBI announced they are investigating the incident as a terror attack and ideologically motivated violence.
What People Are Saying
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, in an ABC News interview: "This is, sadly, a real part of our society today, and it needs to be universally condemned."
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, on X: "I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror. Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, on X following the Boulder attack: "This is horrifying, and this cannot continue. We must stand up to antisemitism."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an X post translated by NBC News: "My heart grieves for the families of the young beloveds, whose lives were cut short in a moment by an abhorrent antisemitic murderer."
Attorney General Pam Bondi, in remarks following the attack at Shapiro's residence: "I've known the governor many, many years. It is horrible, and yes, we are working with state authorities to do — it's now a pending investigation — anything we can to help convict the person that did this and keep them behind bars as long as possible."
What Happens Next
Investigations and prosecutions are ongoing for the suspects in each of the major attacks.
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