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Time of India
30-06-2025
- Time of India
Boulder community mourns loss of Karen Diamond, after fatal antisemitic attack
Karen Diamond , an 82-year-old beloved member of Boulder's Jewish community, Colorado, has died from injuries suffered during a brutal antisemitic attack earlier this month, officials confirmed Monday. Diamond was hospitalized with severe burns and trauma after being targeted in a firebombing on Boulder's Pearl Street Mall on June 1, where she and others were peacefully protesting to raise awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza. According to prosecutors, the attacker, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 46, allegedly threw two Molotov cocktails into the crowd while shouting pro-Palestinian slogans , including 'Free Palestine.' Court documents reveal Soliman had brought 16 more incendiary devices to the scene and disguised himself as a gardener to get close to the marchers. The attack left 13 people physically injured, with at least eight requiring hospitalization, and a total of 29 victims have now been identified by authorities. Diamond succumbed to her injuries on June 25 after weeks in intensive care. Her death has led prosecutors to upgrade charges against Soliman to first-degree murder, in addition to existing attempted murder and federal hate crime charges. Although Colorado abolished the death penalty in 2020, federal prosecutors could still pursue capital charges due to the hate crime element. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dukung Orang Terkasih Menghadapi Limfoma: Mulai Di Sini Limfoma Klik Di Sini Diamond was privately laid to rest, with her family and members of Boulder's Congregation Bonai Shalom mourning her loss. Rabbi Marc Soloway described the pain as 'horrific,' while Jonathan Lev, executive director of the Boulder Jewish Community Center, called her 'a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her'. The Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Federations of North America expressed deep sorrow, warning that the attack reflects a broader and troubling rise in antisemitic violence across the United States. District Attorney Michael Dougherty pledged to fight for justice for Diamond and all victims, stating, 'This horrific attack has now claimed the life of an innocent person who was beloved by her family and friends. Our hearts are with the Diamond family during this incredibly difficult time'.The Boulder community continues to rally in support of the victims and to stand against hate. Live Events
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Woman, 82, who got injured in Colorado firebomb attack, dies
An 82-year-old Colorado woman who was injured in a Molotov cocktail attack on demonstrators in support of Israeli hostages in Gaza has died, prosecutors said Monday. Members of a church gather for prayer beside a memorial at the scene of an attack that injured multiple people, outside the Boulder County Courthouse, in Boulder, Colorado on June 2, 2025.(REUTERS) Karen Diamond died as a result of the severe injuries she suffered in the June 1 attack in downtown Boulder, Colorado, the local district attorney's office said in a statement. Prosecutors have listed 29 victims, including 13 who were physically injured. Mohamed Sabry Soliman already faced dozens of charges in state court including attempted first-degree murder, using an incendiary device, and animal cruelty because a dog was hurt in the attack. He has not been arraigned on those charges that now include first-degree murder. Also read: Who was Karen Diamond? Colorado woman dies from injuries suffered in Boulder terror attack The Associated Press left a voicemail Monday for Soliman's public defender in the state case. The office generally bars its lawyers from commenting on their cases to the media. A preliminary hearing to determine whether there's enough evidence for a trial is set for July 15. Separately, Soliman has been indicted on 12 federal hate crime counts. He entered a not guilty plea to those charges in federal court on Friday. Leaders of the Boulder Jewish Community Center announced in an email Monday that Diamond died June 25 and said she will be deeply missed. 'Karen was a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her,' executive director Jonathan Lev and board chair David Paul said. Diamond helped at her synagogue and volunteered for several local groups, including the University of Colorado University Women's Club and a local music festival. Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement Monday that he was devastated by Diamond's death, and that it will be felt deeply by the city of Boulder, the state and the Jewish community. '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,' Polis said. Prosecutors said Diamond's family has asked for privacy. Diamond and her husband were enthusiastic volunteers since the 1990s for a local historic preservation organization, Historic Boulder, Inc. The couple often helped with public tours of old homes, said Melanie Muckle, the organization's administrator. 'Their generosity with their time and their talent and their kindness, I can't overstate that,' Muckle said. During the demonstration, Soliman posed as a gardener and wore a construction vest to get close to the group before launching the attack, prosecutors allege. Investigators say Soliman told them he intended to kill the participants at the weekly demonstration. He yelled 'Free Palestine' as he threw just two of more than two dozen Molotov cocktails he had prepared. Prosecutors have identified 29 people who are considered victims of the attack, including 13 who were physically injured. The others were nearby and are considered victims because they could have been hurt. A dog was also injured in the attack. Prosecutors previously said there were 15 victims but the number has increased as investigators discovered more people who were at the scene. The victims were targeted because of their perceived or actual national origin, prosecutors allege. An attack motivated by someone's political views is not considered a hate crime under federal law. Soliman told investigators he tried to buy a gun but was not able to because he was not a 'legal citizen.' Federal authorities have said the Egyptian national has been living in the U.S. illegally with his family.
Chicago Tribune
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
An 82-year-old woman who was injured in a firebomb attack in Boulder, Colorado, has died
DENVER — An 82-year-old Colorado woman who was injured in a Molotov cocktail attack on demonstrators in support of Israeli hostages in Gaza has died, prosecutors said Monday. Karen Diamond died as a result of the severe injuries she suffered in the June 1 attack in downtown Boulder, Colorado, the local district attorney's office said in a statement. Prosecutors have listed 29 victims, including 13 who were physically injured. Mohamed Sabry Soliman already faced dozens of charges in state court including attempted first-degree murder, using an incendiary device, and animal cruelty because a dog was hurt in the attack. He has not been arraigned on those charges that now include first-degree murder. The Associated Press left a voicemail Monday for Soliman's public defender in the state case. The office generally bars its lawyers from commenting on their cases to the media. A preliminary hearing to determine whether there's enough evidence for a trial is set for July 15. Separately, Soliman has been indicted on 12 federal hate crime counts. He entered a not guilty plea to those charges in federal court on Friday. Leaders of the Boulder Jewish Community Center announced in an email Monday that Diamond died June 25 and said she will be deeply missed. 'Karen was a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her,' executive director Jonathan Lev and board chair David Paul said. Diamond helped at her synagogue and volunteered for several local groups, including the University of Colorado University Women's Club and a local music festival. Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement Monday that he was devastated by Diamond's death, and that it will be felt deeply by the city of Boulder, the state and the Jewish community. '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,' Polis said. Prosecutors said Diamond's family has asked for privacy. Diamond and her husband were enthusiastic volunteers since the 1990s for a local historic preservation organization, Historic Boulder, Inc. The couple often helped with public tours of old homes, said Melanie Muckle, the organization's administrator. 'Their generosity with their time and their talent and their kindness, I can't overstate that,' Muckle said. During the demonstration, Soliman posed as a gardener and wore a construction vest to get close to the group before launching the attack, prosecutors allege. Investigators say Soliman told them he intended to kill the participants at the weekly demonstration. He yelled 'Free Palestine' as he threw just two of more than two dozen Molotov cocktails he had prepared. Prosecutors have identified 29 people who are considered victims of the attack, including 13 who were physically injured. The others were nearby and are considered victims because they could have been hurt. A dog was also injured in the attack. Prosecutors previously said there were 15 victims but the number has increased as investigators discovered more people who were at the scene. The victims were targeted because of their perceived or actual national origin, prosecutors allege. An attack motivated by someone's political views is not considered a hate crime under federal law. Soliman told investigators he tried to buy a gun but was not able to because he was not a 'legal citizen.' Federal authorities have said the Egyptian national has been living in the U.S. illegally with his family.
Global News
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Victim of Colorado firebomb attack dies from injuries, prosecutors say
An 82-year-old Colorado woman who was injured in a Molotov cocktail attack on demonstrators in support of Israeli hostages in Gaza has died, prosecutors said Monday. Karen Diamond died as a result of severe injuries she suffered in the June 1 attack in downtown Boulder, Colorado, the local district attorney's office said in a statement. Prosecutors have listed 29 victims, including 13 who were physically injured. Mohamed Sabry Soliman already faced dozens of counts in state court on charges including attempted first-degree murder, using an incendiary device, and animal cruelty because a dog was hurt in the attack. He has not been arraigned on the initial charges that now include first-degree murder. The Associated Press left a voicemail Monday for Soliman's public defender in the state case. The office generally bars its lawyers from commenting on their cases to the media. A preliminary hearing to determine whether there's enough evidence to move forward with the case is set for July 15. Story continues below advertisement Separately, Soliman has been indicted on 12 federal hate crime counts. He entered a not guilty plea to those charges during a hearing Friday in federal court. Leaders of the Boulder Jewish Community Center announced in an email Monday that Diamond died June 25 and said she will be deeply missed. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Karen was a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her,' executive director Jonathan Lev and board chair David Paul said. 2:07 Boulder terror attack: Suspect planned attack for a year, police allege Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement Monday that he was devastated by Diamond's death, and that it will be felt deeply by the city of Boulder, the state and the Jewish community. '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,' Polis said. Story continues below advertisement Prosecutors said Diamond's family has asked for privacy as they grieve. '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,' District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in the statement. During the demonstration, Soliman posed as a gardener and wore a construction vest to get close to the group before launching the attack, prosecutors allege. 1:53 Who is Mohamed Soliman? Colorado attack suspect charged with federal hate crime Investigators say Soliman told them he intended to kill the participants at the weekly demonstration. He yelled 'Free Palestine' as he threw just two of more than two dozen Molotov cocktails he had prepared. Prosecutors say the victims were targeted because of their perceived or actual national origin. An attack motivated by someone's political views is not considered a hate crime under federal law. Story continues below advertisement Soliman told investigators he tried to buy a gun but was not able to because he was not a 'legal citizen.' Federal authorities have said the Egyptian national has been living in the U.S. illegally with his family.
UPI
30-06-2025
- UPI
Woman, 82, dies nearly month after Colorado antisemitic firebombing
June 30 (UPI) -- An 82-year-old woman burned in an antisemitic firebombing in Boulder, Colo., earlier this month has died, authorities said Monday, prompting an upgrade in criminal charges against the person suspected of carrying out the attack. Karen Diamond, among 14 people injured in the attack at Boulder's Pearl Street Mall on June 1, died "tragically as a result of the severe injuries that she suffered in the attack," the district attorney's office said. Diamond and one other victim were airlifted to a Denver-area hospital in Aurora, which is 32 miles north of Boulder, because of the severity of their injuries. Diamond previously hadn't not been identified publicly. "There are simply no words to properly express the pain of this tragic loss," Boulder Jewish Community Center Executive Director Jonathan Lev and JCC Board Chair David Paul said in an email to the Boulder Daily Camera. "Karen was a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her." With Diamond's death, prosecutors have updated charges against Mohamed Soliman, 45, of Colorado Springs, KUSA-TV reported. Prosecutors amended counts 4 and 5 to first-degree murder, instead of attempted murder. He was arrested after the attack on a group of people peacefully marching in the Run for Their Lives event to raise awareness of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. "This horrific act of terror has now claimed the life of an innocent person who was beloved by her family and friends," District Attorney Michael Dougherty said. "Our hearts are with the Diamond family during this incredibly difficult time. Our office will fight for justice for all the victims, their loved ones, and the community. "Part of what makes Colorado special is that people come together in response to a tragedy; I know that the community will unite in supporting the Diamond family and all the victims of this attack." Prosecutors also added 66 more counts, which are related to 14 additional victims identified through the ongoing investigation, for a total of 101 counts. In all, 13 were physically injured. If convicted of the first-degree murder charge, he faces an automatic life sentence without parole. A dog also was injured in the attack. On June 2, state bond was set at $10 million and the same day he was charged in federal court, including one hate crime count. Last week, he was charged with nine federal counts of hate crime. Other charges are two counts of using fire or an explosive to commit a felony, and one count of carrying an explosive during the commission of a felony. If convicted in federal court, Soliman could face the maximum sentence of life in prison. He pleaded not guilty to those charges during a hearing Friday. The Department of Justice hadn't said yet whether the charges would be updated. Soliman, an Egyptian national, entered California in August 2022 on a B2 visa that expired in February 2023 and his asylum claim was pending, said Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He reportedly lived in Kuwait for 17 years before moving to Colorado.
