The horror of June 1 has taken a fatal turn.
Karen Diamond, badly burned by the attacker at Pearl Street Mall during a Run For Their Lives event in Boulder, died June 25 as a result of her injuries.
A private funeral was held for Diamond, 82, last week in Boulder, according to Rabbi Stephen Booth-Nadav, chaplain at Kavod Senior Life. Mrs. Diamond’s husband, Lou, was also burned in the attack and is still hospitalized; he could not attend the funeral.
The Boulder County District Attorney’s office reacted quickly in the wake of Karen Diamond’s death, adding charges to Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who is the alleged attacker.
District Attorney Michael Dougherty amended two counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit First Degree Murder to Murder in the First Degree.
“It was a horrific act of terror that has now claimed the life of Karen Diamond,” Dougherty told the IJN, “who was a completely innocent person who was beloved by her family and friends, and tragically died as a result of the injuries she suffered on that day.
“I want to acknowledge the loss for the Diamond family and my heart goes out to them during this incredibly difficult time.
“Our office is going to fight for justice for all the victims, their loved ones, for the Jewish community, and for the community at large.”
Soliman’s next court appearance in the state’s case is July 15. The first degree murder charge carries the possibility of life in prison without parole.
The amended state charges include 29 victims in the attack; 13 of those are suffering from physical injuries.
“It was a devastating attack and the ripple effects continue to impact the community,” said Dougherty.
“I’ve seen in my conversations with people who were directly involved, but also in attending a vigil at the Jewish Community Center and then the Boulder Jewish Festival, an incredible show of support for the Jewish community.
“It’s my hope and expectation that the support will continue for the Diamond family and the Jewish community as a whole.”
Soliman also faces 12 federal hate crime charges after allegedly firebombing the Run For Their Lives team with Molotov cocktails.
In 2019, Diamond received Boulder University Women’s Club’s Margaret Willard Award. The club described her as active in a wide variety of community organizations, including playing a major role in Bonai Shalom’s reconstruction after the devastating 2013 flood.
Karen Diamond also served on the board of Hadassah and supported the Chautauqua Music Festival, Boulder Philharmonic and many College of Music programs at CU Boulder.
Karen and Lou Diamond had been volunteers at Historic Boulder since 1996, according to Melanie Muckle, administrator at the preservation operation.
“Karen and Lou are salt-of-the-earth people,” said Muckle. “Karen was wonderful — a cheerful, kind, steady — a reliable volunteer.
“A lot of our volunteers handle our house tours, which are tours of private homes. Karen and Lou liked doing that.”
Jonathan Lev, executive director of the Boulder JCC, said in a release:
“We are devastated to share the heartbreaking news that Karen Diamond passed away. This loss is incredibly difficult to process, and we know how deeply it is and will be felt.
“Please remember that no one needs to navigate this alone.”
On July 8, the JCC will host a private memorial service.
“She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, cousin, aunt and friend,” sons Andrew and Ethan Diamond said in a statement through Congregation Bonai Shalom.
“A beautiful soul with limitless, kindness and positivity toward everyone.”
Said Bonai Shalom Rabbi Marc Soloway:
“There are no words to express the pain of this horrific loss of our beloved member and friend.
“This tragic event and the tragic loss of someone who has given so much of herself over the years, to the Bonai community and beyond, as impacted us all and we are sad and horrified.”
Susan Rona, ADL Mountain States Regional Director, said in a statement:
“We are devastated by the loss of this beloved member of the Boulder community. Her death highlights the danger of anti-Semitic rhetoric becoming normalized in our country, resulting in increasing levels of violence aimed at the Jewish community.”
Shira Weiss of Run For Their Lives reacted to the IJN:
“We are devastated by the passing of Karen Diamond,” Weiss said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones and the Boulder community. May her memory be a blessing.”
Gov. Jared Polis, a Boulder resident, said in a statement released on social media: “I am devastated to hear of Karen Diamond’s passing. This loss is deeply felt by the Boulder community and our entire state, particularly within our strong Jewish community.”
“My heartfelt condolences go out to her friends and family. Karen was taken from us too soon.”
The June 1 Run For Their Lives event in Boulder was the first time Karen and Lou Diamond participated with the group.
© IJN 2025
