82-Year-Old Woman Dies After Boulder Antisemitic Firebomb Attack
The elderly woman critically injured in a firebomb attack earlier this month at a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder has died from her injuries, prosecutors confirmed on Monday.
The victim, identified as Karen Diamond, aged 82, had been hospitalized since the June 1 attack, which authorities have described as a premeditated antisemitic act of domestic terrorism.
Diamond was one of nearly 30 people injured when Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 21-year-old suspect, allegedly launched Molotov cocktails into a crowd gathered on Pearl Street Mall.
The victims were participating in a peaceful weekly demonstration calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The attack shocked the Boulder community and drew national condemnation for its violent nature and targeted motive.
According to officials, Diamond suffered severe burns and complications from smoke inhalation. She died on June 25 at a local hospital. Her death prompted an immediate upgrade of charges against Soliman, who is now facing two counts of first-degree murder, in addition to a slew of attempted murder and hate crime charges at both the state and federal levels.
Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty expressed deep sorrow over Diamond’s passing, calling the attack “a horrific act of hate” that had now claimed a life.
“This was a premeditated, antisemitic attack on peaceful demonstrators. Karen Diamond’s death is a tragic reminder of the consequences of hate-fueled violence,” Dougherty said in a statement.
Federal prosecutors have also brought 12 federal hate crime counts against Soliman, who is accused of targeting the group based on their religious and ethnic identity.
Investigators say he carried out online research before the attack and planned the assault for weeks. Witnesses reported that Soliman, disguised in gardening attire, shouted “Free Palestine” as he threw incendiary devices at the crowd.
The community has been in mourning since the incident, with local Jewish leaders and civic groups honoring Diamond as a dedicated and kind member of the Boulder community. The Boulder Jewish Community Center issued a statement remembering her as “a warm soul, a generous spirit, and a passionate advocate for peace.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis also paid tribute to the victim, calling her death “a devastating loss for Colorado” and reiterating the state’s commitment to fighting antisemitism and all forms of hate.
Soliman, who has pleaded not guilty, remains in custody. A preliminary hearing to determine whether the case proceeds to trial is scheduled for July 15. Authorities say more charges could still be filed as the investigation continues to develop.
As Boulder comes to terms with the first fatality linked to the June 1 attack, community members and leaders alike are calling for unity, justice, and renewed vigilance against rising hate crimes across the country.
Karen Diamond becomes the first fatal casualty of the Pearl Street firebomb attack. Her death adds a somber weight to an already harrowing case now at the center of national debate over domestic extremism and antisemitism in the United States.
