Melat Kiros, who won a Denver-area Democratic primary, said Israel's actions in the Middle East are "putting Jewish people in great danger" and pledged to prioritize combating the rise in hate and antisemitism. She agreed to meet with Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who criticized her remarks and her earlier hesitation to label the 2024 Boulder attack as antisemitic. The Boulder attack on June 1, 2025, left 82-year-old Karen Diamond dead; the attacker, Mohamed Soliman, pleaded guilty to state charges and received life without parole while federal hate-crime charges remain possible. Kiros campaigned on opposition to Israeli policy and has vowed to "end the genocide in Palestine."
Melat Kiros Says Israel’s Actions Are “Putting Jewish People In Great Danger” After Denver Primary Win
Socialist Colorado candidate blames Israel for 'putting Jewish people in great danger'
Melat Kiros, a self-described socialist who recently won the Democratic primary in a Denver-area congressional district, said in a Wednesday interview that Israel's conduct in the Middle East has contributed to increased danger for Jewish people abroad.
What She Said
In the interview, Kiros called the June 1, 2025 attack in Boulder "a horrific attack on a group of Jewish people that were peacefully protesting" and said she believes "the actions of Israel are putting Jewish people in great danger." She added that the resulting rise in hate and antisemitism is something she intends to "prioritize and combat."
Democratic congressional candidate Melat Kiros speaks to supporters at an election night watch party after winning the Colorado primary on June 30, 2026, in Denver, Colo. Kiros defeated incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., in the Democratic primary.(Getty Images)
Context And Political Fallout
Kiross's remarks come after she defeated longtime incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary, part of a broader set of strong showings by left-leaning, anti-Israel candidates in recent primaries. Her comments have drawn criticism from Colorado political leaders. State Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser publicly raised concerns about Kiros’s statements and sought a meeting to discuss them; Kiros said she is open to talking with him.
The Boulder Attack
The June 1, 2025 attack targeted a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder. Prosecutors say Mohamed Soliman disguised himself as a gardener before throwing flaming projectiles at demonstrators, killing 82-year-old Karen Diamond and injuring about a dozen others. Soliman pleaded guilty in May to state charges including murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He denied that he acted out of hatred toward Jews, but reportedly delivered a lengthy tirade against Zionism. Federal hate-crime charges remain possible and could carry the death penalty.
Video stills of a man later identified as Mohamed Soliman throwing an incendiary device into a group of pro-Israel supporters (off camera) in Boulder, Colo., June 1, 2025. Soliman was subsequently arrested by police.
Campaign Message
Kiross made opposition to Israeli policy a central theme of her campaign; after clinching the Democratic nomination she vowed to "end the genocide in Palestine," language that has further intensified scrutiny of her views. Her campaign did not provide additional comment beyond the interview when contacted.
Note: This report summarizes public statements and court outcomes related to the Boulder attack and reactions from Colorado political figures. It aims to present verified facts and direct quotes from the interview and court records.
Reporting: Fox News Digital reporters Lindsay Kornick and Robert McGreevy contributed to the original report. The Kiros campaign was contacted for comment.
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