Boulder firebomber gets life in prison for deadly attack
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Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty speaks to the press today outside the Boulder Justice Center. Photo: Mitchell Byars/Axios
Mohamed Sabry Soliman pleaded guilty Thursday to all charges in his state case over last summer's deadly attack on Boulder's Pearl Street Mall, including first-degree murder.
State of play: The plea means Soliman will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole, even as a federal hate crime case against him remains pending.
The latest: Soliman, 46, pleaded guilty to 101 charges and 68 sentence enhancers Thursday morning in Boulder District Court.
- The charges include first-degree murder after deliberation and first-degree murder under circumstances showing extreme indifference in the death of Karen Diamond, 82.
- Both charges carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Soliman also pleaded guilty to:
- 52 counts of attempted murder.
- Eight counts of first-degree assault, 18 counts of attempted first-degree assault and two counts of third-degree assault.
- 18 incendiary device counts.
- One count of cruelty to animals.
Boulder Chief Judge Nancy Salomone issued the mandatory life sentence and the maximum prison terms on the remaining felony counts.
- "Your choices were acts of terror," Salomone said. "They have no place in this community."
- Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said sparing victims and their families a trial while ensuring Soliman was sentenced on every count was "the best possible outcome."
Catch up quick: Twelve people were injured June 1, 2025, in downtown Boulder when, according to police, Soliman used a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails at a gathering supporting the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
- Diamond died weeks later from injuries related to the attack.
- A dog also was burned and later died from its injuries.
- Prosecutors said Soliman, an Egyptian national, planned the attack for about a year and made antisemitic statements during and after the incident.
What they're saying: Soliman, speaking through an interpreter, apologized to the victims and their families and said he took "full responsibility" for his actions.
- While saying he did not intend to target the Jewish community, Soliman also continued to express views about Israel, and concluded his lengthy statement by saying, "End Zionism before it ends you."
Between the lines: While Soliman's state case is now resolved, his federal hate crime case remains ongoing as prosecutors consider whether to seek the death penalty.
- According to an emergency motion filed in the federal case, Soliman offered to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence.
- The motion asks the judge to prevent Soliman's family from being deported, arguing they could be required to testify in a death penalty case.
- In Thursday's hearing, Soliman urged federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty: "I find that to be justice."
The big picture: Even as Soliman heads to prison, the lingering effects of the attack and tensions tied to the Israel-Hamas war continue to reverberate in Boulder.
- Debate over the conflict and whether the city should respond has repeatedly disrupted Boulder City Council, prompting officials to change public comment rules.
- A frequent City Council attendee was removed from Thursday's hearing after signaling support for some of Soliman's remarks.
- Several victims told the court they no longer feel safe in the city, and Boulder police Chief Stephen Redfearn said the department has devoted additional resources to security since the attack.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with new details throughout.