Why It Matters
Mohamed Soliman pleaded guilty Thursday to federal hate crime and weapons charges stemming from a deadly June 2025 firebombing at a demonstration in Boulder, Colorado.
The demonstrators belonged to the “Run for Their Lives” group, which held weekly events in downtown Boulder in support of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
What Happened
Soliman admitted to nine federal hate crime counts and three federal weapon charges. One hate crime count involved Karen Diamond’s death, while eight counts concerned alleged attempts to kill other demonstrators.
Diamond, 82, suffered severe burns in the attack and died three weeks later. State prosecutors identified 29 victims, including 13 people who were physically injured.
Federal prosecutors alleged that Soliman targeted the demonstrators because they were Jewish. They also alleged that he planned the attack for about a year.
Soliman approached the Pearl Street demonstration while posing as a gardener. He brought 18 Molotov cocktails and threw two at the demonstrators.
By the Numbers
- 12: Total federal counts to which Soliman pleaded guilty
- 9: Federal hate crime counts
- 3: Federal weapons charges
- 29: Victims identified by state prosecutors
- 13: Victims who suffered physical injuries
Zoom Out
Soliman entered the United States on a tourist visa in 2022. At the time of the attack, he lived in Colorado Springs with his wife and five children.
He is already serving a life sentence for state charges connected to the attack. He pleaded guilty in the state case in May, and he and his wife divorced in April.
What’s Next
Federal prosecutors will seek a sentence of life imprisonment plus 50 additional years. Colorado U.S. District Judge John Kane said he will review the sentencing guidelines before deciding whether to accept that recommendation.
“I have not made up my mind about the sentence,” Kane said during Thursday’s change-of-plea hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Hindman said the explosives caused permanent and life-threatening injuries and Diamond’s death.
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