An 82-year-old woman who was injured in a firebomb attack by a pro-Palestinian activist has died from her injuries.
Karen Diamond died as a result of severe injuries she suffered in the June 1 attack in downtown Boulder, Colorado, the local district attorney’s office said in a statement.
Prosecutors have listed 29 victims, including 13 who were physically injured, in the attack at a march in support of Israeli hostages.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who was charged with attempted murder, using an incendiary device, and animal cruelty, has since been charged with murder.
Separately, Mr Soliman was indicted on 12 federal hate crime counts. He has pleaded not guilty.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman is arrested by police officers after the incident on June 1 – X/@OpusObscuraX via REUTERS
The Egyptian national is said to have turned a garden weed sprayer into a makeshift flamethrower by spraying gasoline in the direction of the marchers while holding a lighter in front of the stream of fuel.
He is said to have shouted “free Palestine” during the attack.
Investigators believe he had stopped at gas stations before the attack to fill up Molotov cocktails and the makeshift flamethrower.
He told investigators he had been planning the attack for a year but was waiting until his daughter graduated, according to an FBI affidavit.
Leaders of the Boulder Jewish Community Centre announced in an email on Monday that Diamond had died on June 25, and said she will be deeply missed
“Karen was a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her,” executive director Jonathan Lev and board chairman David Paul said.
‘Karen taken from us too soon’
Governor Jared Polis said that he was devastated by Diamond’s death, and that it will be felt deeply by the city of Boulder, the state and the Jewish community.
“Karen was taken from us too soon, and we mourn her loss while remembering her life and the impact she had on those who loved her,” Mr Polis said.
Prosecutors said Diamond’s family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
“Part of what makes Colorado special is that people come together in response to a tragedy; I know that the community will continue to unite in supporting the Diamond family and all the victims of this attack,” District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in the statement.
Mr Soliman told investigators he tried to buy a gun but was not able to because he was not a “legal citizen”.
