In a tragic incident that shook the community of Boulder, Colorado, a mass shooting at a supermarket in 2021 left 10 people dead and many others traumatized. The shooter, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, is set to stand trial this week as the motive behind the attack remains unknown.
The shooting unfolded rapidly, with the first victim being a man sitting in his van outside the store. Subsequently, nine more individuals lost their lives as the shooter targeted people both inside and outside the supermarket.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of fleeing from the store to escape the gunfire, while others sought refuge in various parts of the building for over an hour.
Alissa, who surrendered after being shot by a police officer, has been identified as the shooter. His trial is expected to focus on his mental state at the time of the attack.
While Alissa has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, prosecutors aim to prove that he was aware of his actions and intended to cause harm.
Authorities have highlighted Alissa's online activities leading up to the shooting, including searches related to firearms and previous mass attacks. The defense has cited his untreated mental illness as a contributing factor to the tragedy.
Family members of the victims, including Robert Olds, are preparing to face the trial in hopes of finding closure. Olds, who lost his niece in the shooting, expressed a desire for justice and the opportunity to grieve the loss.
The trial is expected to feature expert testimonies on Alissa's mental health and his ability to comprehend the consequences of his actions. The community awaits the proceedings in the pursuit of understanding and healing from the tragic event.
