Colorado Firebombing Suspect Pleads Guilty to Murder in Attack on Pro-Israel Demonstrators

A man accused of carrying out a firebomb attack on demonstrators advocating for the release of Israeli hostages has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Colorado.

Mohamed Sabry Soliman entered guilty pleas on Thursday in connection with the June 2025 attack in Boulder, where prosecutors say he threw Molotov cocktails into a crowd gathered by “Run For Their Lives,” a group that organised weekly events calling for the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the 7 October attacks in Israel.

Authorities said at least 12 people were injured in the assault, while 82-year-old Karen Diamond later died from injuries sustained during the attack. Prosecutors described the incident as a premeditated act of politically motivated violence that Soliman had allegedly planned for nearly a year.

Investigators say Soliman travelled from his home in Colorado Springs to Boulder after researching explosives online and preparing multiple incendiary devices. Court documents allege that after his arrest, he told police he wanted to “kill all Zionist people.”

According to prosecutors, Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” as he hurled Molotov cocktails at the gathering. Police later discovered a container holding at least 14 additional unlit firebombs near the scene.

During Thursday’s hearing, Soliman responded to each charge through an interpreter as the judge formally read the counts against him. The courtroom also heard a statement from the family of Karen Diamond, read aloud by Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty.

“Our only request is that the attacker never see his family again since he is responsible for us never seeing our mother again,” the family statement said.

The family did not attend the hearing.

Although Soliman pleaded guilty to state murder charges, he still faces a separate federal case involving 12 charges, including hate crimes and using fire or explosives to commit a felony. He has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges.

Federal prosecutors allege that Soliman deliberately targeted what he believed to be a “Zionist event” after deciding to seek “revenge” against supporters of Israel. Investigators said internet searches conducted before the attack showed he was specifically looking for pro-Israel gatherings.

The attack occurred during a period of heightened tensions and growing concern over antisemitic incidents across the United States. It came shortly after a fatal shooting outside a Jewish centre in Washington, DC, and an arson attack at the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish.

Officials say the Boulder firebombing highlighted the increasingly volatile atmosphere surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict and the dangers posed by extremist rhetoric escalating into violence.

In federal court filings, Soliman’s lawyers said his actions stunned his family and were “profoundly inconsistent” with his earlier behaviour. However, prosecutors argue the evidence demonstrates careful planning and ideological motivation behind the attack.

The case is expected to remain closely watched as federal proceedings continue, particularly amid ongoing national concerns over hate crimes, political extremism and violence linked to the Middle East conflict.