An Egyptian national living in the U.S. illegally unleashed chaos in Boulder by firebombing a pro-Israel rally, killing an elderly woman and igniting a national furor over immigration and extremist violence.
At a Glance
- Mohamed Sabry Soliman is accused of launching Molotov cocktails at pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder.
- The June 1 attack left 82-year-old Karen Diamond dead and injured 13 others.
- Authorities filed 130 charges, including state counts of murder and attempted murder, and federal hate crimes.
- A judge has allowed deportation proceedings for Soliman’s wife and five children to move forward.
From Peaceful March to Firebomb Ambush
Boulder’s June 1 “Run for Their Lives” rally—held in support of Israeli hostages—turned deadly when Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly threw two Molotov cocktails into the crowd. Witnesses say he was dressed as a city worker and shouted “Free Palestine” as flames tore through the gathering.
Soliman reportedly scouted the site for months and built the devices using household chemicals. Investigators believe he targeted the rally due to its support for Israel following the October 7 Hamas massacre. Thirteen people were hospitalized. Karen Diamond, 82, died weeks later from severe burns.
Watch a report: Molotov Attack in Boulder Kills 82-Year-Old
Charges Mount, Immigration Fallout Begins
Soliman has since been indicted on over 130 charges, including first-degree murder, multiple counts of attempted murder, and 12 federal hate crime violations. He entered a not guilty plea in late June; trial is scheduled to begin July 15. Federal prosecutors allege Soliman deliberately targeted Jewish participants in a premeditated act of ideological violence.
Meanwhile, Soliman’s wife and five children—detained by ICE shortly after the attack—are also under federal review. A Texas court recently cleared the way for formal deportation proceedings, dismissing emergency appeals from the family’s legal team. The Department of Homeland Security continues to press for their removal.
