DENVER (AP) — Colorado prosecutors are preparing to present their evidence against Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a man charged with murder, attempted murder, and other associated crimes in connection with a firebomb attack on a group demonstrating their support for Israeli hostages in Gaza. The incident occurred on June 1, 2025, at Pearl Street pedestrian mall in Boulder, where approximately 20 demonstrators were gathered.
Investigators reported that Soliman expressed his intention to kill the demonstrators, but only threw two of the more than two dozen Molotov cocktails he had brought. During the incident, he shouted, "Free Palestine!" According to police statements, Soliman explained that he became frightened during the attack because he had never harmed anyone before. Federal authorities revealed that Soliman, an Egyptian national, had been living in the U.S. illegally along with his family.
The preliminary hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Boulder’s state court aims to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. District Judge Nancy Woodruff Salomone will preside over the hearing. Soliman is already facing numerous charges in state court, in addition to federal hate crime charges. The murder charge was recently added following the death of Karen Diamond, an 82-year-old woman who succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack. Diamond was known for her community involvement, including her contributions at her synagogue and various local organizations.
Last week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Cramer-Babycz informed U.S. District Judge John L. Kane that federal prosecutors have yet to decide if further charges related to Diamond's death will be filed against Soliman. The federal prosecutors allege that the victims were targeted due to their perceived or actual connection to Israel. However, Soliman's defense contends that he should not face hate crime charges, arguing that his actions were motivated by his opposition to Zionism, a political movement aimed at establishing a Jewish state in Israel. Federal law does not classify attacks motivated by political ideology as hate crimes.
As of now, Soliman has pleaded not guilty to the hate crime charges, while he has yet to enter a plea regarding the state charges. State prosecutors have compiled a list of 29 victims from the attack, which includes 13 individuals who were physically injured. The remaining victims were present nearby and are considered victims because they were in potential danger during the attack. Additionally, Soliman faces animal cruelty charges due to an injured dog in the incident.
Despite the objections raised by Soliman's public defenders, who requested a delay in the hearing following Diamond's death and the subsequent murder charge, the court is proceeding as scheduled. The defense filed a motion last week indicating their lack of awareness regarding the completion of Diamond's autopsy and requested a postponement until October to adequately review significant medical records pertinent to the case.
