Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the Egyptian national convicted in the horrifying Boulder firebomb attack targeting pro Israel demonstrators, was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to all state charges connected to the assault that killed one woman and injured numerous others.

The attack unfolded during a weekly gathering supporting Israeli hostages being held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Investigators allege Soliman told authorities he intended to kill the roughly 20 people participating in the demonstration at Boulder’s Pearl Street pedestrian mall.

According to prosecutors, Soliman threw two Molotov cocktails from a stash of more than two dozen incendiary devices he brought with him while shouting “Free Palestine!” Authorities say panic erupted as flames tore through the crowd.

Eighty two year old Karen Diamond later died from injuries suffered in the attack. State prosecutors have identified 29 victims in total. Thirteen people suffered physical injuries, while others nearby were also classified as victims because they were placed in danger during the assault. A dog injured in the attack led to an additional animal cruelty charge against Soliman.

Federal prosecutors allege the victims were specifically targeted because of their perceived or actual connection to Israel. Investigators also claim Soliman told them he wanted to “kill all Zionist people.”

Defense attorneys representing Soliman in the federal case argue he should not face hate crime charges because they claim his alleged motivation was opposition to Zionism rather than hatred toward Jews. Under federal law, crimes driven solely by political beliefs are generally not categorized as hate crimes.

Authorities say Soliman carefully planned the assault over the course of about a year and used not only Molotov cocktails but also a makeshift flamethrower reportedly fashioned from a commercial weed sprayer.

Speaking in court through an interpreter for nearly 30 minutes, Soliman apologized to the victims and expressed condolences over Diamond’s death.

“There are no words that can express my sadness for her passing,” Soliman told the court.

He also said he was not seeking leniency in his state sentencing and pleaded with federal prosecutors not to pursue the death penalty in the separate hate crime case.

“If I went back, I would not have done this as this is not according to the teaching of Islam,” Soliman said. “What I did came out of myself and only myself.”

Earlier in the hearing, a prosecutor read a statement from Diamond’s sons, who urged the court to ensure Soliman never sees his own family again.

“Since he is responsible for our mother never seeing her family again,” the statement said.

He pleaded guilty to 184 state charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault, and use of incendiary devices. He now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with hundreds of additional years connected to the remaining counts.

Federal hate crime charges are still pending, and prosecutors are reportedly considering whether to seek the death penalty.

Meanwhile, Soliman’s wife, Hayam El Gamal, and their children spent 10 months in immigration detention before a federal judge in Texas ordered their release in April. An immigration appeals court had previously dismissed the family’s effort to remain in the United States and issued a deportation order.