Mohamed Soliman, previously convicted on over 100 state charges including first-degree murder, attended federal court to change his plea to guilty for twelve additional charges. He admitted guilt for the attack on Pearl Street Mall during a demonstration last summer supporting Israeli captives held by Hamas.
Prosecutors detailed Soliman’s actions, stating he threw Molotov cocktails at demonstrators, resulting in one fatality and injuring over twelve individuals. These events transpired during the regular marches by ‘Run for Their Lives,’ a group consistently protesting in Boulder for over a year.
Earlier this year, Soliman was sentenced to life without parole for murder and 2,128 years for his other state crimes. In federal court, Soliman faced 12 hate crime charges, to which he initially pleaded not guilty. During the court session in Arraj Courthouse, the judge recognized his capacity to plead guilty for each count:
- 1 count – hate crime resulting in death – Karen Diamond
- 7 counts – violation of hate crime involving bodily injury and intent to kill
- 1 count – hate crime involving attempt to cause bodily injury and attempt to kill
- 2 counts – using fire or an explosive to commit a felony
- 1 count – carrying explosive during commission of a felony
“The federal case emphasizes Soliman’s accountability for his hateful ideology that incited violence in Boulder,” commented U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly. “His plea acknowledges the events were influenced by his perception of the victims as Jewish and Israeli.”
The sentencing guidelines will be considered, although they might be adjusted. Governor Polis advocates for a life sentence with an additional 50 years. The court session for final sentencing will convene at 10 a.m. on January 7, 2027.