Tragic Passing of Boulder Firebombing Victim Revealed
An 82-year-old woman, Karen Diamond, who suffered severe injuries during the firebombing incident at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall earlier this month, has passed away. State prosecutors issued a statement on Monday confirming her death. According to Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty, Diamond died on June 25, having been hospitalized since the incident on June 1.
The Boulder Jewish Community Center expressed deep sorrow over Diamond’s passing in an email, stating, “Karen was a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her,” signed by executive director Jonathan Lev and board chair David Paul.
Dougherty noted that Diamond’s family has requested privacy as they mourn this tragic loss. “Part of what makes Colorado special is that people come together in response to a tragedy,” he said, expressing hope that the community would continue to support the Diamond family and all victims of the attack.
Charges Against Suspect Intensified
In related news, Michael Sabry Soliman, a 46-year-old Egyptian national, has seen the charges against him escalate significantly. Initially charged with throwing Molotov cocktails during a public gathering aimed at raising awareness for Israeli hostages detained in Gaza, he now faces first-degree murder charges in state court. He is also confronted with attempted murder and several hate crime charges in federal court, remaining in custody following his initial arrest.
Dougherty revealed that following further investigation, his office has identified additional victims, raising the total number to 29. This new information led to an addition of 66 charges on top of the more than 100 already filed against Soliman. The updated complaint specifies that 13 individuals suffered physical injuries due to the firebombs used in the attack, along with 52 counts of attempted first-degree murder. Soliman also faces charges for animal cruelty and illegal use of incendiary devices.
Details of the Incident
On June 1, Soliman allegedly traveled from Colorado Springs to Boulder armed with homemade Molotov cocktails made from glass wine bottles filled with gasoline and red rags. It has been reported that he conducted prior web searches for Zionist groups in Boulder and targeted the “Run for Their Lives” weekly walk, aimed at highlighting the plight of Israeli hostages. Dressed as a gardener, complete with a reflective vest and a backpack resembling a weed sprayer, he approached the crowd carrying Israeli and American flags.
Witness accounts indicate that he hurled two incendiary devices, which detonated, causing a minor explosion and igniting his own clothing. Prompt action by Boulder police led to his quick apprehension.
Community Funding for Safety Initiatives
On the same day as Diamond’s passing, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced an additional allocation of $250,000 for non-profits seeking enhanced security measures to avert incidents similar to the Boulder attack. “As antisemitism and other forms of hate and violence rise, we recognize the increased risk faced by our places of worship and community gatherings,” stated Polis in his address. This funding is intended to aid organizations in upgrading their safety protocols.
Currently, there exists a state fund of $1 million available for non-profits to access for security improvements.
| Victim Information | Incident Details |
|---|---|
| Karen Diamond | Sustained severe injuries and died on June 25 |
| Total identified victims | 29, including 13 injured |
| Suspect | Mohamed Sabry Soliman, facing multiple charges |
As the community continues to mourn, the investigation remains ongoing, with Soliman expected to appear in court next month.
