Karen Diamond, an 82-year-old woman severely injured in the Boulder antisemitic attack earlier this month, has died from her injuries, Colorado officials have confirmed. Diamond was among those targeted in a violent assault on a peaceful gathering in support of Israeli hostages.
Attack Planned for a Year, Carried Out with Molotov Cocktails
The incident occurred on June 1st during a Run for Their Lives event at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, where around 20 people had gathered to raise awareness for hostages held in Gaza. The suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at the group while yelling “Free Palestine“.
Prosecutors say Soliman had been planning the attack for a year, studying videos on how to make firebombs. Disguised in a construction vest, he approached the crowd posing as a gardener before launching the attack. Authorities later found 16 unlit Molotov cocktails nearby, along with a gasoline-filled weed sprayer.
Charges Elevated to First-Degree Murder
Diamond’s death has led to an upgrade in the criminal charges. The Boulder District Attorney’s Office confirmed that first-degree murder charges will now be added to Soliman’s growing list of state and federal offenses.
“This horrific attack has now claimed the life of an innocent person,” said DA Michael Dougherty. “Our hearts are with the Diamond family.”
Soliman, an Egyptian national, was indicted last week on 12 federal hate crime counts. He also faces over 100 state charges, including attempted murder. His lawyer, David Kraut, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
ICE Detains Suspect’s Family Following Arrest
Following the attack, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Soliman’s wife and five children, citing immigration violations. Soliman is reportedly living illegally in the U.S., according to federal authorities.
A Chilling Reminder of Rising Antisemitism
The attack has intensified concerns over rising antisemitic violence in the United States. Data from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) indicates that antisemitic incidents reached record highs in 2023 and 2024.
Officials say the suspect admitted to wanting to “kill all Zionist people,” a statement that reinforces the hate crime designation of the case.
This attack comes amid an increase in violent demonstrations and rhetoric tied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Boulder incident echoes earlier events that have left many Jewish Americans feeling vulnerable.
The community in Boulder is mourning the loss of Karen Diamond, remembered as a beloved figure. Her death marks a tragic turning point in an already devastating attack — and underscores the urgent need for vigilance against hate-fueled violence.
