Socialist Colorado congressional candidate Melat Kiros has sparked controversy by blaming Israel's activities in the Middle East for inspiring attacks on Jewish people in other countries. During an interview on Wednesday, Kiros argued that Israeli policies are endangering Jewish communities globally, a statement that has drawn sharp criticism from Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate.
Kiros, who won her primary in a Denver-area district this week by ousting longtime incumbent Diana DeGette, is part of a wave of anti-Israel, far-left candidates gaining traction within the Democratic Party. Her victory follows similar successes by far-left candidates in New York last month, marking a broader shift in the party's primary landscape. Kiros made her opposition to Israel a centerpiece of her campaign, vowing in her victory speech to 'end the genocide in Palestine.'
The controversy escalated when Weiser publicly condemned Kiros for her reluctance to label a deadly attack on a pro-Israel rally in Boulder last year as antisemitic. During a 9News interview earlier this week, the host pressed Kiros on the issue, noting Weiser's concerns. Kiros responded by expressing openness to a conversation with Weiser, stating, 'At the end of the day, what happened in Boulder was a horrific attack on a group of Jewish people that were peacefully protesting, and we are seeing that the actions of Israel are putting Jewish people in great danger.' She added that she intends to prioritize combating antisemitism.
The attack in Boulder occurred on June 1, 2025, when Mohamed Soliman targeted a pro-Israel demonstration. Soliman, who disguised himself as a gardener, hurled flaming projectiles at the crowd, killing 82-year-old Karen Diamond and injuring about a dozen others. He pleaded guilty in May to state charges, including murder, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Soliman expressed regret for his crime but denied being motivated by hatred of Jews, instead launching into a diatribe against Zionism, which he called 'the enemy.' He could still face the death penalty on federal hate crime charges.
Kiros had previously commented on the attack, saying, 'I don't know what was in the heart of the perpetrator. All I know is that he went and attacked innocent people because of what they might have believed.' She suggested that most attendees at the protest were likely advocating for the return of hostages taken during the October 7 attacks, which she described as 'not a political statement in and of itself.'
Weiser, who won the Democratic gubernatorial primary, has expressed a desire to sit down with Kiros to discuss her views. The exchange highlights growing tensions within the Democratic Party over the Israel-Palestine conflict, as far-left candidates increasingly challenge established incumbents. Kiros's campaign did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
