Judge Rules Suspect in 2021 Colorado King Soopers Mass Shooting Will Stand Trial

A Boulder County judge has ruled that the suspect in the 2021 mass shooting at a Colorado King Soopers supermarket will stand trial. Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, the defendant in the case, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity on Tuesday.

Alissa is accused of shooting and killing 10 people at the Boulder South Table Mesa grocery store on March 22, 2021. During the preliminary hearing, Alissa’s attorney entered the plea on his behalf before Judge Ingrid Bakke. Clad in an orange and white striped jail uniform, Alissa looked down in court and at times at the judge as she advised him of his rights before his plea was entered.

A plea of not guilty by reason of insanity involves whether someone’s mental health prevented them from understanding right from wrong when a crime was committed. During the hearing, a detective described in great detail how the defendant allegedly shot and killed the victims.

Judge Bakke has set Alissa’s bond at $100 million. Alissa is currently being held in the Boulder County Jail and is awaiting trial. It is unclear at this time when the trial will begin.

The Boulder community is still reeling from the tragedy, and the victims’ families are hoping for justice. The Boulder District Attorney’s Office is continuing to investigate the case and is working to ensure that Alissa is held accountable for his alleged actions.