In a tragic turn of events, an 82-year-old woman has succumbed to injuries sustained during a violent Molotov cocktail attack in downtown Boulder, Colorado.
According to AP News, the incident, which occurred on June 1, 2025, during a demonstration supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza, resulted in the death of Karen Diamond, multiple injuries, and charges against suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman, including first-degree murder.
Karen Diamond, a beloved member of the Boulder Jewish community, was critically injured on June 1, 2025, when a firebomb attack disrupted a peaceful demonstration in downtown Boulder.
The demonstration was held to show support for Israeli hostages in Gaza, a weekly event that drew participants from across the community. According to prosecutors, the attack affected 29 individuals, with 13 sustaining physical injuries, alongside a dog that was also harmed.
Initially, investigators reported 15 victims, but further inquiry revealed a higher number of people who were present and at risk during the violent incident. Diamond, who fought for her life for weeks, passed away on June 25, 2025, as confirmed by the Boulder Jewish Community Center. Her death has left a profound void in the community where she was known for her volunteer work and kindness.
“Karen was a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her,” said Jonathan Lev, executive director, and David Paul, board chair of the Boulder Jewish Community Center.
“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,” said Gov. Jared Polis. Diamond and her husband had been dedicated volunteers since the 1990s with Historic Boulder, Inc., often leading public tours of historic homes.
“Their generosity with their time and their talent and their kindness, I can’t overstate that,” said Melanie Muckle, administrator of Historic Boulder, Inc., speaking about Diamond and her husband. Diamond also contributed to local organizations, including her synagogue, the University of Colorado University Women’s Club, and a music festival in the area. Her family has requested privacy during this difficult time, as noted by prosecutors handling the case.
The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, has been charged with numerous offenses in connection with the attack, including attempted first-degree murder and using an incendiary device. Following Diamond’s death, the charges against Soliman were escalated to include first-degree murder, alongside counts of animal cruelty for the injury to the dog. Soliman has not yet been arraigned on the state charges, with a preliminary hearing set for July 15, 2025, to assess if there is sufficient evidence for a trial.
In a separate legal action, Soliman has been indicted on 12 federal hate crime counts, to which he entered a not guilty plea on a recent Friday. Prosecutors allege that Soliman targeted the victims based on their perceived or actual national origin, though they note that political motivations alone do not constitute a hate crime under federal law. Investigators claim Soliman posed as a gardener, wearing a construction vest to blend in before launching the attack on the demonstration participants.
According to authorities, Soliman admitted he intended to kill those at the weekly gathering, reportedly shouting “Free Palestine” as he hurled multiple Molotov cocktails. Prosecutors state that he had prepared more than two dozen of these incendiary devices for the assault on the group. Soliman also told investigators he tried to purchase a firearm but was unable to do so due to his status as an undocumented citizen.
Federal authorities have disclosed that Soliman, an Egyptian national, has been residing in the United States illegally with his family. Efforts to reach Soliman’s public defender in the state case for comment were unsuccessful, as the office typically restricts lawyers from discussing ongoing matters with the media. The voicemail left by The Associated Press on a recent Monday underscores the challenges in obtaining direct statements from the defense.
As the Boulder community mourns the loss of Karen Diamond, the legal proceedings against Soliman are set to unfold in both state and federal courts. The upcoming preliminary hearing in July will be a critical step in determining the trajectory of the state case against him. Meanwhile, the federal hate crime charges add another layer of complexity to an already devastating incident that has shaken the city.
The attack has left lasting scars on those who witnessed or were injured in the violent outburst during what was meant to be a peaceful demonstration. Community leaders and residents alike are grappling with the aftermath, seeking ways to honor Diamond’s memory while advocating for safety at public events. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims and ensuring such acts of violence are met with justice.