Mohamed Soliman, who previously admitted guilt to over 100 state criminal charges including first-degree murder, appeared in federal court recently. He changed his plea to guilty on 12 federal charges stemming from the attack on the Pearl Street Mall in June 2025.
The attack occurred during a demonstration supporting Israeli captives held by Hamas. Prosecutors accused Soliman of using two Molotov cocktails in the assault. This resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to more than a dozen others.
During the time of the attack, the group known as Run for Their Lives had consistent gatherings every Sunday for over a year. These meetings took place along the Pearl Street Mall, concluding at the Boulder County Courthouse.
Soliman entered a guilty plea to state charges in May 2026. The court sentenced him to life without parole for first-degree murder, alongside a 2,128-year term for other offenses. He faced 12 federal hate crime charges during his recent court appearance at the Arraj Courthouse. The judge accepted his guilty plea across all counts.
Previous to this, Soliman had pleaded not guilty to federal charges on June 27, 2025. The 12 charges included:
- 1 count – hate crime leading to death – victim: Karen Diamond
- 7 counts – hate crimes with bodily harm and intent to kill – willful bodily harm caused
- 1 count – attempted bodily harm and attempt to kill – use of explosive device
- 2 counts – using fire or explosive to commit a felony
- 1 count – carrying explosives during a felony
The federal case underscores Soliman’s accountability for the ideology driving his violent actions. U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, Peter McNeilly, highlighted that Soliman’s actions were motivated by a belief that the victims were Jewish and Israeli.
The sentencing remains undecided, though guidelines are under consideration. Gov. Polis is advocating for a life sentence plus an additional 50 years. The sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on January 7, 2027.