Karen Diamond, a victim of the June 1 attack on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, died Monday of her injuries. She was 82.
Officials across the state offered their condolences, including Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who wrote on X: “This loss is deeply felt by the Boulder community and our entire state, particularly within our strong 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.”
In 2019, Diamond was awarded the Margaret Willard Award by University Women’s Club in Boulder, where she served as president and board chair. According to her bio on the organization’s website, Diamond volunteered for a number of community groups, including CU Boulder’s Conference on World Affairs, Historic Boulder, Bridge House, Chautauqua Music Festival and the Boulder Philharmonic.
“Karen was a cherished member of our community, someone whose warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her,” Boulder Jewish Community Center Executive Director Jonathan Lev said in a public statement. “She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and our community.”
Her family, speaking through local law enforcement, asked for privacy.
“Our hearts are with the Diamond family during this incredibly difficult time,” Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in a statement. “Our office will fight for justice for the victims, their loved ones, and the community.”
The DA’s office filed two additional charges of first degree murder and 66 new counts related to 14 additional victims identified by further investigation. There are now 29 victims, 13 of whom were physically injured.
At the state level, attacker Mohamed Soliman now faces two counts of first degree murder, 52 counts of attempted first degree murder, eight counts of first degree assault, 18 counts of attempted first degree assault, two counts of third degree assault, two counts of using an incendiary device, 16 counts of attempted use of an incendiary device and one count of animal cruelty, for a dog that was present and injured at the scene.
Soliman last month appeared in federal court, where he is facing 12 counts: nine hate crimes and three explosives charges. Prosecutors argued that Zionism qualifies as a national origin; during his arrest, Soliman said he targeted Zionists and hoped he “killed them all,” according to federal and state affidavits.
Soliman pleaded not guilty to the hate crime charges. His next scheduled court appearance is a July 15 preliminary hearing.