- FBI Director confirms terror motive in Sunday's mall attack
- 4-block evacuation zone enforced around 13th/Pearl intersection
- Boulder's second major public attack since 2021 shootings
- Emergency protocols activated across Colorado tourist destinations
Federal investigators descended on Boulder's historic Pearl Street Mall Sunday afternoon following what authorities describe as a coordinated terror attack. The violence marks Colorado's third major public space incident in a decade, reviving memories of the 2012 Aurora theater shooting and 2021 King Soopers massacre.
Security analysts note a 41% increase in crowded-place attacks nationwide since 2020, with mountain states seeing particularly concerning trends. 'Soft targets like open-air malls present unique challenges,' said former DHS advisor Michael Chen. 'We're seeing attackers exploit predictable security gaps.'
Local businesses reported $2.3 million in daily losses from the evacuation, compounding economic struggles from COVID-19 shutdowns. The mall's mixed indoor-outdoor design, originally praised for accessibility, now faces scrutiny for limited surveillance coverage.
Resilience experts highlight Boulder's Community Protection Network, developed after the 2021 shootings, which enabled rapid victim assistance. 'Within 90 minutes, we had trauma counselors at all area hospitals,' noted Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett. 'But no plan fully prepares you for this.'
