Judge Declares Mass Shooter Mentally Competent for Trial
In a significant development, a judge has ruled that Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, who carried out a deadly shooting at a King Soopers Store in Boulder, Colorado, in March 2021, killing 10 people, is mentally competent to stand trial. The decision allows the prosecution to proceed with the case, which had been stalled due to questions about Alissa’s mental state.
Judge Ingrid Bakke, who presided over a hearing, determined that despite Alissa’s schizophrenia, he can comprehend court proceedings and participate in his own defense. This decision followed an earlier evaluation at a state mental hospital in August, which had found him competent, contrary to previous assessments. The ruling came after Alissa’s attorney had requested a hearing to challenge the initial finding.
In her judgment, Bakke noted that, with the aid of forced medication, Alissa demonstrated an improved ability to explain his reasoning and decision-making, a crucial factor in determining his competency. This entails his capacity to make informed decisions, such as whether to testify in his own defense.
The Case Against Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa
Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, aged 24, faces charges of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder for his involvement in the tragic shooting spree on March 22, 2021, at the crowded King Soopers Store in Boulder. Notably, Alissa has not entered a plea thus far.
The incident began with Alissa opening fire outside the store, targeting at least one individual in the parking lot before continuing his attack inside. Witnesses reported chaos as employees and customers sought safety, with some escaping through loading docks while others sought shelter in nearby stores. A SWAT team eventually apprehended Alissa, though the motive behind the shooting remains undisclosed.
Treatment for Schizophrenia
Alissa’s mental condition saw improvement in the spring after a court order mandated medication for his schizophrenia. A psychologist who testified for the prosecution revealed this development. Alissa had been admitted to a state hospital in December 2021.
In the August evaluation, Alissa responded to questions related to the day of the shooting and the charges against him. A forensic psychologist, Loandra Torres, stated that Alissa had acquired firearms with the intention of carrying out a mass shooting and had indicated some intention to provoke a confrontation with law enforcement.
Initial assessments in 2021 and 2022 had found Alissa incompetent for trial, primarily due to difficulties in communication and at times, his reluctance to discuss the allegations against him, attributed to his schizophrenia.
The Path Forward
With Alissa now deemed legally competent for legal proceedings, a hearing is scheduled for November 14 to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Notably, Judge Bakke recognized that she lacked the authority to mandate Alissa’s continued stay at the state hospital but urged officials to consider this option. She expressed concern that a return to jail, where forced medication is not possible, could lead to regression, and she emphasized the potential injustice to all those affected by the case.
In the wake of this ruling, there is renewed hope for the families of the victims that the case will advance and justice will be served. District Attorney Michael Dougherty expressed determination to pursue the right outcome in the case, while relatives of the victims found the decision to be a step in the right direction.
Public defenders representing Alissa have declined to comment on the matter.