Colorado prosecutors have upgraded the charges against the alleged terror suspect in the June 1 Boulder attack following the death of 82-year-old Karen Diamond, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office confirmed her death as a tragic result of the severe injuries she suffered. The suspect, an illegal immigrant from Egypt, faces federal hate crime charges for the attack targeting pro-Israel demonstrators.
Investigators allege that Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old illegal immigrant from Egypt, intended to kill the eight people who were hurt during the attack when he threw Molotov cocktails as part of an attack aimed at pro-Israel demonstrators. He is accused of trying to kill the eight people who were hurt when he threw Molotov cocktails — bottles filled with flammable liquid that are ignited — as well as other people nearby. Soliman’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf during a hearing, and the suspect is being represented by public defenders who do not comment on their cases to news media.
According to investigators, Soliman told them he intended to kill the roughly 20 participants at the weekly demonstration on Boulder’s Pearl Street pedestrian mall, which was calling for the release of the remaining Israeli hostages taken by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. He allegedly threw just two of his over two dozen Molotov cocktails while shouting ‘Free Palestine.’ The suspect also alleged that he tried to buy a gun but was not able to because he was not a ‘legal citizen.’
In the wake of the attack, Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed profound grief over the loss, emphasizing the impact on the community, particularly the Jewish community. He stated that the loss is deeply felt by the Boulder community and the entire state. His condolences went out to her friends and family, highlighting the tragic loss of a beloved individual. The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the death of Karen Diamond is a result of the severe injuries she suffered in the attack, and the case has now escalated to include first-degree murder charges.
The upgrade to the charges came after consultation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and the Boulder Police Department. The district attorney’s office confirmed that the new counts are related to 14 additional victims who have now been identified through the ongoing investigation. The total number of victims identified in the attack is now 29, with 13 suffering physical injuries. The charges now include two counts of first-degree murder, 52 counts of attempted first-degree murder, eight counts of first-degree assault, 18 counts of attempted first-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, two counts of using an incendiary device, 16 counts of attempted use of an incendiary device, and one count of animal cruelty.
The case has drawn significant attention, especially given the suspect’s alleged intentions behind the attack. The attack, which targeted pro-Israel demonstrators, has raised concerns about the rising tensions in the region. The community has been left reeling, with many expressing sorrow and solidarity with the families of the victims. Colorado’s state leaders have been at the forefront of efforts to provide support and to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The attack is being closely monitored by federal authorities, and the outcome of the trial is anticipated to have significant implications beyond the local community. The tragic loss of Karen Diamond has sparked a renewed focus on public safety and the need for stricter enforcement of laws against hate crimes.