Karen Diamond Obituary-Death News; Karen Diamond Jewish Woman Dies from Injuries in Antisemitic Terror Attack in Boulder
With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, the Boulder community mourns the passing of Karen Diamond, an 82-year-old resident and longtime member of Congregation Bonai Shalom, who died on June 25 from injuries she sustained in what authorities have called a fiery antisemitic terror attack.
Her death, privately marked with a burial attended by close family members, was announced publicly on June 30, deepening the sense of tragedy and outrage already felt across the city and beyond.
Karen Diamond was a peaceful protester participating in the “Run for Their Lives” walk on Boulder’s Pearl Street pedestrian mall when she was targeted in the heinous act of violence.
The weekly event, organized to raise awareness for Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, has become a symbol of unity and advocacy for human rights. On that day, however, it became the site of a hate-driven assault that has now claimed a precious life.
Diamond’s death has sent shockwaves through Boulder’s Jewish community, with Rabbi Marc Soloway of Congregation Bonai Shalom offering a deeply emotional tribute. “There are no words to express the pain of this horrific loss of our beloved member and friend,” Soloway wrote.
“We will need to support each other as we process this loss. Karen was deeply loved, and her absence is already being profoundly felt.” The rabbi also called for privacy and compassion for the Diamond family during what he described as “awful and distressing circumstances.”
In response to her death, Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty announced the addition of state-level first-degree murder charges against the suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, a Colorado Springs resident.
In a statement, Dougherty described Karen’s death as “horrific,” and pledged ongoing support for the family and all victims: “Part of what makes Colorado special is that people come together in response to a tragedy. I know that the community will continue to unite in supporting the Diamond family and all the victims of this attack.”
Authorities said Soliman had been living in the U.S. unlawfully after overstaying a visa and was working as an Uber driver. According to police reports and federal filings, Soliman confessed to targeting the protest over what he saw as participants’ support for Israel’s war in Gaza, yelling “Free Palestine” during the attack.
He is accused of planning the assault for more than a year, stopping along the way from Colorado Springs to Boulder to purchase gasoline, glass bottles, a weed sprayer, and flowers to use as a disguise before launching the attack.
The incident has since been charged as both a hate crime and terror attack, with Soliman now facing an additional 66 state-level charges, including charges related to 29 victims, 13 of whom suffered physical injuries, and animal cruelty charges involving a dog that was injured during the incident.
Federal officials have not yet announced whether they will add further charges following Karen Diamond’s death. Karen’s life was one defined by quiet strength, compassion, and action.
Those who knew her say she was passionate about justice, deeply committed to her community, and never afraid to speak out for what she believed in. Her involvement in the “Run for Their Lives” campaign was just one example of her unwavering dedication to making the world a better, more humane place.
As Boulder—and the nation—reckon with this senseless act of violence, Karen Diamond’s memory will serve as a beacon of hope and resilience. She stood for peace and solidarity in a time of division. Her courage, even in her final days, will not be forgotten.
May her memory be a blessing, and may her family and all who loved her find strength in the legacy she leaves behind.
