Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said Friday the death toll at the King Soopers shooting in Colorado would have been much higher if not for the police officers who charged into the store.
“On Monday Boulder suffered a devastating, horrific, and traumatic attack to our community,” Dougherty said during the Friday press conference. “Ten people were killed. And many others were placed in grave danger.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and this community during the difficult time that we’re all going through, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is done for each and every one of the victims and for their loved ones,” Dougherty added. (RELATED: Gun Shop Owner Says Boulder Mass Shooting Suspect Passed Background Check)
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The alleged shooter, 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, was advised of his rights by the judge during a Thursday appearance in court. He is currently in custody and is being held without bond. Alissa faces charges for ten counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree attempted murder, and Dougherty said that other charges, including additional first-degree attempted murder charges, will be filed “in the very near future.” His next court date will be announced sometime next week.
Officers from the Boulder Police Department and the University of Colorado Boulder Police Department “responded very, very quickly to the report of shots being fired at the King Soopers,” according to Dougherty.
“Immediately after responding they charged into the store,” he said. “Their actions saved others, other civilians, from being killed. They charged into the store and immediately faced a very significant amount of gunfire from the shooter who at first they were unable to locate and they put their lives at risk, and that will be reflected in additional attempted murder charges that will be filed by the district attorney’s office in the next couple weeks.”
“There was significant danger to civilians who were still in the supermarket,” Dougherty continued. “And significant danger to the community. That danger ended because of the response of law enforcement.” (RELATED: ‘Our Distinct Honor’: Eric Talley’s Handcuffs Used To Arrest Boulder Shooting Suspect)
The FBI, the U.S. Attorneys’ office, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, ATF, and other various law enforcement agencies and partners have all worked together in this investigation, Dougherty said. Victim advocates are also responding to help the victims’ families.
“To the victims’ families, and to this community, I promise you that we will work tirelessly to make sure the right thing happens in that case,” Dougherty continued. “That is my firm and solemn commitment and everyone in this building, everyone connected to this investigation, shares that determination and focus.”