Pearl Street adds new security in wake of attack
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Boulder police officers secure the Boulder County Courthouse on Pearl Street on June 3. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post
Boulder police and the Downtown Boulder Partnership announced a series of safety measures as the Pearl Street Mall tries to regain normalcy following a June 1 terrorist attack.
Why it matters: The need for more security became a priority after police said a man with "a makeshift flamethrower" yelling "free Palestine" threw a Molotov cocktail into a crowd of people.
Driving the news: The city of Boulder and DBP announced safety improvements designed to improve police response, increase law enforcement visibility and cut down on illegal activity.
- The department deployed an E-bike patrol unit on Pearl Street Mall and created a downtown police sergeant position to better coordinate response.
- BPD also created the Downtown Officer Block Program, with a direct liaison for businesses in the Business Improvement District to develop better relationships.
- The city also hired attendants for daily monitoring of Pearl Street restrooms.
Between the lines: The city said some changes to address safety concerns surrounding "illegal camping" in downtown and along the mall have been in the works for roughly 18 months.
- "We know that security, cleanliness and vibrancy are core components of what makes a public space like the downtown district so special," Boulder police chief Stephen Redfearn said in a release.
- Concerns about downtown crime began during the pandemic and remained a priority in the city's policing plans.
State of play: Alexsandra Varela, a manager at Art Mart Gifts next to the courthouse, was working the day of the "terrifying" attack, she told Axios.
- She said the mall has since been "very quiet" and employees were nervous for the two weeks after the attack; but she noted things appear to be improving.
Threat level: Immediately following the attack, a heavy police presence filled the mall, which was "a bit surreal," but ultimately "the right choice," DBP CEO Bettina Swigger said in an interview.
- Swigger said the Jewish Festival held the next week and the season's first Bands on the Bricks event helped improve morale.
- "After the initial shock and horror, there has been a feeling of camaraderie and wanting to come together," Swigger said. "We heard many people say it felt good to get back to 'normal."
The big picture: Swigger said it has been a "rough year" for businesses downtown area due to economic issues before the attack, but she said she remains optimistic.
- "Between confusing international policies like tariffs and a cooling national economy and now an unthinkable terrorist attack, our small business community has stepped up," Swigger said.
Catch up quick: At least Fifteen people and a dog were injured earlier this month in front of the Boulder County Courthouse at a gathering for the release of Hamas-held hostages in Gaza.
- The suspect arrested in connection with the attack has been charged in both federal and state court.