Colorado firebombing suspect pleads guilty to murder

May 7, 2026

Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national whose visa had expired, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Colorado state court after throwing Molotov cocktails at demonstrators supporting the release of Israeli hostages in June 2025. The attack, which Soliman planned for a year while researching explosives, injured twelve people and killed 82-year-old Karen Diamond. While shouting "Free Palestine," he targeted the Run For Their Lives group that met weekly in Boulder, and police discovered fourteen additional unlit firebombs at the scene.

Who is affected

Karen Diamond (82-year-old woman who died from injuries)
At least 12 people injured in the attack
Karen Diamond's family members
Members of Run For Their Lives in Colorado (a group supporting Israeli hostage release)
Mohamed Sabry Soliman (the defendant)
Soliman's family
The broader Jewish community in the US experiencing heightened concerns about antisemitic violence

What action is being taken

Soliman is facing prosecution on 12 federal charges including hate crimes and using fire or explosives to commit a felony
State court proceedings are ongoing following Soliman's guilty plea to first-degree murder

Why it matters

This attack represents a deadly escalation of antisemitic violence in the United States and highlights growing security concerns for Jewish communities and pro-Israel gatherings. The incident demonstrates the real-world consequences of hate-motivated violence, resulting in the death of an elderly woman and injuries to a dozen others who were peacefully advocating for hostages. The case also raises important questions about visa enforcement and radicalization, as the perpetrator had overstayed his visa and spent a year planning the attack.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC