An 82-year-old woman from Colorado has died after suffering critical injuries in a Molotov cocktail attack during a demonstration supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza, according to officials. Karen Diamond passed away on June 25 due to injuries sustained in the June 1 attack in downtown Boulder, prosecutors confirmed on Monday.
The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office reported that 29 people were identified as victims in the assault, with 13 suffering physical injuries. Diamond’s death has now led to upgraded charges, including first-degree murder, against the accused attacker, Mohamed Sabry Soliman.
Soliman, 27, was already facing multiple charges in state court, such as attempted first-degree murder, use of an incendiary device, and animal cruelty — the latter related to a dog injured during the incident. He has not yet been formally arraigned on the murder charge. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 15 to determine if the case will proceed to trial.
In a separate case, Soliman has also been federally indicted on 12 hate crime charges. He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on Friday.
The Boulder Jewish Community Center shared the news of Diamond’s passing in a heartfelt email, calling her a beloved member of the community. “Karen was a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her,” wrote Executive Director Jonathan Lev and Board Chair David Paul.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed sorrow over Diamond’s death, calling it a devastating loss not only for her family and friends but also for the Boulder and Jewish communities. “Karen was taken from us too soon,” Polis said in a statement, emphasizing her legacy and the grief her death leaves behind.
District Attorney Michael Dougherty noted that Diamond’s family has requested privacy as they mourn, and he encouraged the community to stand in solidarity with all victims of the attack. “Part of what makes Colorado special is that people come together in response to a tragedy,” Dougherty said.
According to prosecutors, Soliman disguised himself as a gardener, wearing a construction vest to get close to demonstrators before launching the attack. He reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while throwing two Molotov cocktails, though he had prepared more than two dozen.
Investigators believe the attack was motivated by the victims’ perceived or actual national origin. Under federal law, targeting individuals based on political views does not qualify as a hate crime.
Soliman allegedly told investigators that he wanted to kill those attending the rally and had attempted to buy a firearm. However, he was unsuccessful because he is not a legal U.S. citizen. Authorities have stated that Soliman, an Egyptian national, has been living in the country unlawfully with his family.
