[Editor’s Note: Mohamed Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant, already serving a life sentence plus enhancements in a Colorado state penitentiary, pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to charges he firebombed a pro-Israel rally on June 1, 2025, killing an octogenarian and wounding others. Here two leaders of the Boulder JCC react.]
By Jonathan Lev and David Paul in Boulder, Colorado
The individual responsible for the June 1, 2025, antisemitic firebombing of the Boulder Run for Their Lives (BRFTL) group on the Pearl Street Mall appeared in federal court and pleaded guilty to 12 federal hate crime charges, including a hate crime resulting in death and multiple counts of attempted murder with explosive devices.
With his guilty plea, he admitted to these hate crimes that intentionally targeted victims based on their religion or national origin. In addition to his prior state court sentence of life without parole plus over 2,100 years in prison, he will be sentenced on these federal charges in January 2027.
This violent antisemitic attack targeted our community members who were leading a peaceful walk advocating for hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023. While these guilty pleas cannot erase our pain, they send an unmistakable message that hate-fueled terror will be met with complete accountability.
Our hearts remain with the loved ones of Karen Sorin Diamond, may her memory be a blessing, whose life was taken, and with the 28 survivors carrying physical and emotional scars. We know how heavy and painful this attack and the legal process have been for the victims, their families, and our entire community. We hold all of you in our thoughts and wish everyone impacted comfort, strength, and healing.
We extend our deepest gratitude to federal prosecutors, District Attorney Michael Dougherty, Chief Stephen Redfearn, the Boulder Police Department, the FBI, and all of the law enforcement partners who have stood with us throughout this process.
We also want to recognize the security professionals, guards, and everyone who shows up every day to keep our Jewish community safe, including the ADL and Secure Community Network (SCN), which, with support from JEWISHcolorado, monitors the safety of Jewish organizations nationwide. They make it possible for our community to gather, celebrate, and move through the world with greater strength and reassurance. Safety and security remain a top priority for our community, not just in moments of crisis but every day.
We hope this outcome brings comfort to the survivors on their ongoing path to healing and offers strength to Jewish communities worldwide. Though the road to recovery is long, our commitment to living proudly, safely, and joyfully as a Jewish community endures.
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Jonathan Lev is the executive director of the Boulder JCC and David Paul is the board chairman.