In a shocking turn of events that have gripped an entire community, an 82-year-old woman has died from injuries sustained during a firebombing at a pro-Israel rally.
Karen Diamond passed away from severe burns and injuries she suffered during the June 1 attack on Pearl Street Mall.
Egyptian Mohamed Soliman, who shouted pro-Palestinian slogans while throwing Molotov cocktails into the crowd, targeted Americans for showing support for Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists.
Prosecutors have now elevated charges against Soliman to include first-degree murder under extreme indifference and with intent after deliberation.
The Egyptian alien was living in the U.S. illegally and allegedly traveled from Colorado Springs specifically to target the peaceful gathering.
The attack occurred during a “Run For Their Lives” event raising awareness for Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Soliman, unable to purchase a firearm due to his illegal immigration status, instead posed as a gardener while carrying a backpack weed sprayer and 18 glass bottles filled with flammable liquid.
He deliberately targeted participants carrying Israeli and American flags in what authorities have determined was a politically motivated terrorist attack.
The Boulder Jewish Community Center expressed its grief over Diamond’s death, calling her “a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her.”
Diamond was one of 29 victims impacted by the attack, with 13 suffering physical injuries of varying severity.
“This horrific attack has now claimed the life of an innocent person who was beloved by her family and friends,” the 20th Judicial District Attorney Michael Dougherty said.
“Our office will fight for justice for the victims, their loved ones, and the community,” he concluded.
Soliman now faces an additional 66 counts beyond the original charges, as investigators have identified 14 more victims during their investigation.
He has already pleaded not guilty to 12 federal hate crime charges, though curiously, federal officials have not classified the attack as a hate crime under federal law.
This statement was despite evidence showing Soliman targeted victims based on their perceived national origin.
The case highlights growing concerns about politically motivated violence and inadequate immigration enforcement.
Moreover, FBI investigators discovered that Soliman had planned the attack in advance.
He traveled to Boulder with the explicit intent to kill event participants who were showing support for Israel and carrying American flags.
Boulder police arrested him shortly after the attack.
“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,” Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a statement following the victim’s death.
Soliman’s next court appearance for state charges is scheduled for July 15.
The case is being jointly investigated by the FBI and Boulder Police, with prosecution handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Soliman could potentially face the death penalty.
