Molotov Attack Turns Deadly Boulder Mourns Loss

Tragedy in Boulder: 82-Year-Old Woman Dies After Molotov Cocktail Attack on Israeli Hostage Support Demonstration

Boulder, Colorado is in mourning following the death of 82-year-old Karen Diamond, who succumbed to severe injuries sustained in a Molotov cocktail attack on June 1st. The attack targeted demonstrators who were showing support for Israeli hostages in Gaza.

The Boulder County District Attorney's office confirmed Diamond's death on Monday, stating that it was a direct result of the injuries she suffered in the attack that occurred in downtown Boulder. Prosecutors have identified **29 victims** in total, with **13 having sustained physical injuries.**

Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in the case, already faced numerous charges in state court, including:

• Attempted first-degree murder
• Using an incendiary device
• Animal cruelty (as a dog was also injured in the attack)

These charges have now been compounded by a first-degree murder charge following Diamond's death. Soliman has not yet been arraigned on the new charge. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for **July 15th** to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.

In a separate but related legal matter, Soliman has been indicted on **12 federal hate crime counts**. He pleaded not guilty to these charges during a hearing in federal court on Friday.

The Boulder Jewish Community Center released a statement expressing their deep sorrow at Diamond's passing. In an email, executive director Jonathan Lev and board chair David Paul described her as:

“a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her.”

Colorado Governor Jared Polis also issued a statement, expressing his devastation at the news. He stated that Diamond's death "will be felt deeply by the city of Boulder, the state, and the Jewish community." He further added, "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."

Prosecutors have stated that Diamond’s family has requested privacy as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.

District Attorney Michael Dougherty emphasized the community’s resilience, stating, "Part of what makes Colorado special is that people come together in response to a tragedy; I know that the community will continue to unite in supporting the Diamond family and all the victims of this attack."

The Attack and the Suspect's Motives

According to prosecutors, Soliman allegedly disguised himself as a gardener, wearing a construction vest to gain proximity to the demonstrators before launching the attack. Investigators claim that Soliman admitted to intending to kill participants at the weekly demonstration.

He reportedly yelled “Free Palestine” while deploying two of the more than two dozen Molotov cocktails he had prepared. Prosecutors assert that the victims were targeted due to their perceived or actual national origin. While an attack motivated by someone’s political views doesn’t constitute a hate crime under federal law, the federal charges suggest the authorities believe there is sufficient evidence to prove a hate crime.

Soliman also reportedly told investigators that he attempted to purchase a firearm but was unsuccessful due to his immigration status. Federal authorities have confirmed that Soliman, an Egyptian national, has been residing in the U.S. illegally with his family.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of hate and extremism. As the community mourns the loss of Karen Diamond, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to tolerance, understanding, and justice. Her memory should inspire us all to work towards a world where such senseless acts of violence are no longer possible.

Tags: Colorado attack, Molotov cocktail, Israeli hostages, Karen Diamond, Gaza protest, Boulder, Sabry Soliman, Murder charge, Dog injured, US News

Source: https://apnews.com/article/boulder-attack-death-e6e45ad5a6e6becab9026994c758e09b