Crime
Suspect in Pearl Street Mall Attack Seen Holding Molotov Cocktails Moments Before Incident
BOULDER, CO – Federal and local law enforcement are investigating a violent attack at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall that left multiple people injured on Sunday afternoon. Authorities confirm that the suspect was seen holding Molotov cocktails shortly before the incident.
The attack occurred near the intersection of 13th Street and Pearl Street, prompting a large emergency response and immediate evacuation of the 1200, 1300, and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street, between Walnut and Pine Streets.
Boulder Police issued an urgent message at 3:08 p.m., advising the public to avoid the area while officers secured the scene.
According to eyewitnesses and preliminary reports, the suspect targeted participants of a peaceful solidarity walk organized by Run For Their Lives — a group advocating for the release of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza.
The walk had begun around 1:00 p.m. at Pearl and 8th Streets and was intended to be a non-political, silent demonstration of support.
Participants stopped briefly at the courthouse to record a video before the violence broke out.
Video footage from the scene shows a visible burn scar in front of the historic courthouse and emergency responders loading at least one injured individual onto a stretcher.
A shirtless male, believed to be the attacker, was detained by police on-site.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the federal agency is treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. “We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado,” Patel said in a statement. “Our agents are working closely with local law enforcement, and we will provide updates as the investigation progresses.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino echoed Patel’s statement, noting that agents arrived at the scene by mid-afternoon and are taking an active role in the investigation.
As of now, the number of injured victims has not been officially confirmed, and the motive remains under investigation.
Authorities continue to urge the public to stay clear of the area while emergency crews and investigators work the active scene.
More details will be released as they become available.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.