Karen Diamond, one of the people burned in the antisemitic firebombing attack on the Pearl Street Mall earlier this month, died Wednesday, according to a Monday morning email from the Boulder Jewish Community Center.
“There are simply no words to properly express the pain of this tragic loss,” said the email, which was signed by JCC Executive Director Jonathan Lev and JCC Board Chair David Paul. “Karen was a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her.”
Diamond, 82, was among the people attacked June 1 while participating in a walk by the group Run for Their Lives, which advocates for the release of the remaining 50 hostages held by Hamas since an October 2023 attack on Israel.
As a result of Diamond’s death, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office announced that it is filing additional charges — including first-degree murder — against Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who is accused in the Pearl Street attack.
“In addition to charges related to her death, the extensive investigation has led to more victims being identified,” the DA’s Office said in a Monday morning release. “Criminal charges are now being filed in connection with those additional victims.”
Soliman, 45, is accused of firebombing the group, which was reported to have injured 15 people and one dog. He was recently indicted with nine hate-crime counts, two charges that he used a fire or explosive device to carry out a felony, and a single count of carrying an explosive during the commission of a felony.
“In addition to amending Counts 4 and 5 to reflect the death of Karen Diamond, the District Attorney’s Office added 66 counts. These counts are related to 14 additional victims who have now been identified through the ongoing investigation,” the DA’s Office said in the release.
“In total, the amended complaint names a total of 29 victims in the attack. Of the 29 victims, 13 suffered physical injury during the attack. The complaint now contains the 2 counts of first degree murder, 52 counts of attempted first degree murder, 8 counts of first degree assault, 18 counts of attempted first degree assault, 2 counts of third degree assault, 2 counts of using an incendiary device, 16 counts of attempted use of an incendiary device and one count of animal cruelty.”
District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated, “This horrific attack has now claimed the life of an innocent person who was beloved by her family and friends. Our hearts are with the Diamond family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The DA’s office said that Diamond’s family has asked “for privacy as they continue to grieve.”
Diamond was active in the Boulder community.
She was once the president of the Boulder University Women’s Club, or UWC, and served as a board member. UWC is a community-building organization that is made up of members or friends of the University of Colorado Boulder.
In 2019, Diamond received the UWC’s Margaret Willard Award. The award is given annually to a woman in the Boulder area who demonstrates outstanding work in her profession or passion, enhances women’s quality of life on the campus or in the Boulder community, is an exceptional role model, elevates women, and brings honor to all women and to the university or community, according to the UWC.
According to Diamond’s biography on the UWC website, she worked with Boulder Bridge House, which provides services to adults experiencing homelessness. She was also a longtime supporter of Historic Boulder.
Melanie Muckle, office administrator at Historic Boulder, told the Daily Camera that Diamond had been with the organization “through thick and thin.”
Diamond’s biography adds that she made deliveries to elderly and immobile members of her synagogue; helped reconstruct the synagogue after the 2013 flood; was active in the Chautauqua Music Festival; and supported the Boulder Philharmonic and programs at CU’s music college as well.
“In every organization and community function in which Karen has participated, she has contributed significantly to growth and development with her volunteerism, her leadership, and her gracious good will,” Diamond’s biography reads.
Two executives from the Anti-Defamation League issued statements on Monday on Diamond’s death.
“We are devastated by the loss of this beloved member of the Boulder community. Her death highlights the danger of antisemitic rhetoric becoming normalized in our country, resulting in increasing levels of violence aimed at the Jewish community,” Susan Rona, ADL Mountain States regional director, said in a news release.
Additionally, Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, highlighted that the Pearl Street Mall attack came not long after two members of the Embassy of Israel were shot outside of a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C.
“This heinous attack, which came just a week after the fatal shooting of a young couple in Washington, demonstrates the urgent need for elected officials and community leaders to take immediate action to stop antisemitism,” Greenblatt said in the news release.
This is a developing story
