A judge in Boulder, Colorado, ruled on Friday that Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, the man accused of killing 10 people in a 2021 rampage at a supermarket, is mentally competent to stand trial. The ruling came after experts at a state mental hospital determined in August that Alissa was competent, despite previous evaluations suggesting otherwise. Alissa, who has schizophrenia, was able to understand court proceedings and contribute to his own defense, according to Judge Ingrid Bakke.

During the hearing, Alissa's attorney requested a debate on the findings of the mental hospital. However, Judge Bakke was convinced that Alissa's capacity to elucidate his reasoning and decision-making had significantly improved after being forcefully medicated. This improvement is a critical component of competency, which includes the ability to make informed decisions in his own case, such as whether to testify.

The 24-year-old is charged with murder and multiple attempted murder counts in connection with the shooting that took place on March 22, 2021, at a King Soopers Store. The incident began when Alissa allegedly started firing outside the grocery store, injuring at least one person in the parking lot before moving inside. Employees and customers fled to safety, with some leaving through loading docks and others seeking shelter in nearby stores. Alissa was eventually apprehended by a SWAT team. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting.

Alissa's mental condition showed improvement after he was court-ordered to take medication for his schizophrenia. A psychologist who testified for the prosecution stated that Alissa's mental state had improved in the spring of 2022. He had been admitted to the state hospital in December 2021. In an evaluation conducted in August, Alissa answered questions about the shooting and the charges against him, indicating his improved cognitive abilities.

Forensic psychologist Loandra Torres, who evaluated Alissa, testified that he had admitted to purchasing firearms with the intention of committing a mass shooting. Torres also mentioned that Alissa had expressed a desire to provoke law enforcement to kill him, hinting at a potential suicide by cop scenario.

Earlier evaluations conducted throughout 2021 and 2022 found Alissa incompetent for trial due to his difficulties in communication and refusal to discuss the allegations against him. Schizophrenia, a mental illness that can distort an individual's perception of reality, could potentially interfere with a legal defense in court. It is important to note that mental competency does not indicate a cure, nor does it equate to a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, which refers to a claim that an individual's mental health prevented them from understanding right from wrong during the commission of the crime.

District Attorney Michael Dougherty expressed hope that the ruling would provide some solace to the families of the victims, assuring them that justice would be served. Robert Olds, who lost his 25-year-old niece in the shooting, expressed relief at the judge's decision. Public defenders representing Alissa declined to comment to the media on the case.

With Alissa now deemed legally competent to participate in legal proceedings, Judge Bakke is scheduled to hold a hearing on November 14 to determine if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Although Bakke cannot order the state hospital to retain Alissa once he is deemed competent, she urged officials to keep him there due to their ability to forcibly medicate him, unlike the jail. Alissa has reportedly vowed to refuse medication if returned to the jail, as he did during the previous week's hearing. Bakke cautioned against the potential regression that could occur if Alissa were to move between jail and the hospital, emphasizing that it would be unjust for everyone impacted by the case.

The state hospital, located approximately 140 miles from Boulder, was remodeled and reopened last year. About half of the employees who previously worked at the King Soopers Store chose to return.