Boulder mass shooting trial: Prosecution calls attack intentional, defense points to mental illness

The trial of Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, who killed 10 people in a Boulder, Colorado, supermarket in 2021, opened with a prosecutor stating he was a calculated killer who knew his actions were wrong. The defense argued that Alissa, diagnosed with schizophrenia, was suffering from severe mental illness and hallucinations at the time of the shooting.

During opening statements, Alissa’s attorney, Samuel Dunn, acknowledged that Alissa was the shooter but argued that his actions were driven by untreated schizophrenia. According to Dunn, Alissa experienced hallucinations, heard voices, and believed he was being followed in the days leading up to the attack. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

In contrast, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty argued that Alissa was fully aware of his actions. Dougherty emphasized that the attack was deliberate and targeted, pointing out that Alissa killed eight people in under a minute and methodically sought out victims who tried to escape. “He prepared and planned to kill them,” Dougherty said.

Victims and final moments of the attack

The prosecution described the final moments of the shooting, where Alissa killed two additional victims, including Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, before surrendering to police. Dougherty rejected claims that Alissa was hallucinating during the attack, saying there was no evidence of confusion or delusion in his actions.

Alissa’s attorney presented evidence of his deteriorating mental health, including family testimony about his withdrawal and bizarre behavior. Dunn urged the jury to consider his mental state and find him not guilty by reason of insanity.

If successful, Alissa could be committed to a state mental hospital instead of prison. The trial will focus on whether Alissa was legally sane during the mass shooting.