FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed on Sunday, June 1, that the recent mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado, is being investigated as a targeted terror attack. The declaration follows days of mounting public concern and speculation about the nature of the incident, which left multiple victims dead and wounded at a local community center.
Speaking during a national security briefing in Washington, Wray stated that federal investigators had uncovered evidence indicating the attack was “premeditated and ideologically motivated,” though he stopped short of naming a specific terrorist group or ideology. “This was not a random act of violence. All indicators point to a deliberate, targeted assault intended to sow fear and inflict mass casualties,” Wray said.
The incident occurred late Friday evening when a gunman opened fire inside a multicultural resource center in Boulder, killing six people and injuring several others. Authorities identified the suspect as a 33-year-old male with prior arrests and alleged connections to extremist online networks. He was apprehended at the scene after a brief standoff with police.
According to investigators, the attacker had conducted surveillance of the facility in the days leading up to the shooting and had compiled a manifesto espousing hateful views. Wray noted that digital forensics teams are combing through the suspect’s online activity, communications, and affiliations to determine whether others may have been involved or inspired.
Local law enforcement had initially been cautious in their assessment, citing the need to confirm motives and collect evidence. However, with the FBI now taking the lead in the investigation, the federal classification of the event as a terrorism case marks a significant escalation.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack and called for unity and justice. “This was a heinous act of domestic terrorism, and we will not rest until every person affected receives the support they need and justice is delivered,” Polis said during a press conference on Sunday.
The victims included community organizers, educators, and youth mentors — individuals described by friends and family as advocates for tolerance and inclusion. Vigils were held across Boulder over the weekend, drawing hundreds of mourners and calls for stronger measures against hate-fueled violence.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland also issued a statement affirming the Justice Department’s support for the investigation and reinforcing the administration’s broader strategy to combat domestic extremism. “We must remain vigilant against the rise of ideologically driven violence and ensure that communities targeted for their diversity and values are protected,” he said.
The attack has reignited debate over gun control and domestic terrorism legislation. Members of Congress, including Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Joe Neguse of Colorado, pledged to introduce new bills aimed at tightening firearms access and improving early detection of radicalized individuals.
Security has been heightened in several cities in response to the FBI’s classification of the attack, and officials have urged community centers and places of worship to review their safety protocols. Meanwhile, the FBI is urging the public to come forward with any information related to the suspect or similar threats.
As the investigation continues, authorities say their top priority is determining whether the shooter acted alone or in coordination with others. FBI Director Wray emphasized that law enforcement would pursue all leads and treat the case with the highest level of urgency.
“This case is a grim reminder of the threats we face, but it’s also a testament to the resilience of the communities targeted,” Wray concluded. “We will hold those responsible accountable.”
Source; Reuters
