Boulder Firebomb Attack Claims Life of 82-Year-Old Woman; Suspect Faces Murder Charges

BOULDER, Colorado – An 82-year-old woman who was severely injured during a Molotov cocktail attack at a pro-Israel demonstration has died, leading Colorado prosecutors to file upgraded murder charges against the man accused of carrying out the assault.

Karen Diamond passed away over the weekend after spending nearly a month in critical condition. She suffered extensive burns and trauma when firebombs exploded around her on June 1. The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday that two counts against the suspect have been elevated to first-degree murder.

“This is a tragic loss for Boulder and Colorado,” Governor Jared Polis said in a statement. “Karen was taken from us too soon, and her death is deeply felt across our community and especially within our Jewish community. My condolences are with her friends and family.”

The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, is an Egyptian national who was living in the United States illegally. He was indicted last week on 12 federal hate crime charges and is accused of planning to kill participants at the weekly demonstration on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall. The rally was held to call for the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas.

Investigators say Soliman brought more than 25 Molotov cocktails and glass bottles filled with flammable liquid and began shouting “Free Palestine” before throwing two of the devices into the crowd. Eight people were injured during the explosions, and many more were forced to flee the area in panic.

According to court documents, Soliman told authorities he had tried to buy a gun but was unable to do so because he was not a legal resident.

On Monday, prosecutors also filed 66 additional charges after identifying 14 more victims who were put in danger during the attack. The updated criminal complaint now names 29 victims in total, including 13 who were physically injured.

“This was an act of hate intended to harm and intimidate people gathered peacefully,” said Rabbi Ilana Schwartzman of Boulder’s Congregation Har HaShem. “Karen’s death is an enormous loss. We will honor her memory by standing together and supporting one another.”

Soliman appeared in federal court on Friday. His public defender entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. He remains in custody without bond.

If convicted, Soliman faces the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty under federal law. The district attorney’s office said the investigation is continuing and more charges could be added as new evidence emerges.

Community members are planning a vigil later this week to remember Karen Diamond and support the other victims of the attack.