An 82-year-old woman has died from injuries related to the June 1 Molotov cocktail attack targeting a demonstration in Boulder, leading prosecutors to file upgraded murder charges against the accused attacker.
The office amended charges against Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the man accused in the attack, to include first-degree murder, according to a press release.
Diamond’s family, through the district attorney’s office, requested privacy as they continue to grieve.
Responding to the news of Diamond’s death, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a post on Facebook: “I am devastated to hear of Karen Diamond’s passing. This loss is deeply felt by the Boulder community and our entire state, particularly within our strong Jewish community.”
“My heartfelt condolences go out to her friends and family. Karen was taken from us too soon, and we mourn her loss while remembering her life and the impact she had on those who loved her,” he said.
Attack and Investigation
Soliman, an Egyptian national living in the United States without legal status, was indicted last week on 12 federal hate crime counts connected to the attack. He pleaded not guilty to the federal charges during a brief court hearing Friday, with his attorney, David Kraut, entering the plea on his behalf.
According to court documents, Soliman allegedly posed as a gardener, wearing a construction vest, to approach a group of roughly 20 people at a pedestrian mall on Pearl Street participating in a weekly demonstration supporting Israeli hostages.
Investigators say he threw two Molotov cocktails at the group while shouting “Free Palestine,” and reportedly told authorities he intended to kill the participants.
Soliman also admitted to attempting to buy a gun but was unable to do so because he was not a “legal citizen.”
Soliman appeared in court wearing a khaki jail uniform and a thick bandage on his right hand and arm, injuries sustained when he allegedly burned himself while throwing the second incendiary device, according to an investigator’s testimony. He listened to the hearing through an Arabic interpreter and did not address the court directly.
Upgraded Charges and Additional Victims
Following Diamond’s death, the district attorney’s office amended two counts from attempted first-degree murder to first-degree murder—one under an extreme indifference theory (causing someone’s death with extreme indifference to the value of human life) and another with intent and after deliberation (thinking and following through with an act knowing the consequences). Both charges referred to Diamond.
The investigation has also identified more victims, with the amended complaint now naming 29 people affected by the attack, including 13 who suffered physical injuries.
In total, Soliman faces two counts of first-degree murder, 52 counts of attempted first-degree murder, eight counts of first-degree assault, 18 counts of attempted first-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, two counts of using an incendiary device, 16 counts of attempted use of an incendiary device, and one count of animal cruelty.
First-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life without parole, while attempted first-degree murder and use of an incendiary device each carry potential sentences of up to 48 years, according to the district attorney’s office. Sentences may be enhanced for at-risk victims.
District Attorney Michael Dougherty said: “This horrific attack has now claimed the life of an innocent person who was beloved by her family and friends. Our hearts are with the Diamond family during this incredibly difficult time. Our office will fight for justice for the victims, their loved ones, and the community.”
Soliman is being prosecuted in both state and federal courts. Prosecutors allege the victims were targeted because of their perceived or actual national origin, but Soliman’s defense attorney has argued the alleged attack was politically motivated, not a hate crime under federal law.
The next court hearing in the state case is scheduled for July 15, 2025.
