Ten people, including an 11-year veteran of the Boulder police force, were killed in a mass shooting at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado.
Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa from Arvada, Colorado, and said he has been charged with ten counts of first-degree murder.
Alissa was shot in the leg during the incident and taken to the hospital. Officials said they are working to determine if he was shot by responding officers. He is in stable condition and will be transferred to the Boulder County jail. Officials did not provide details about his motive for the horrific attack.
"I want to say to the community, I'm so sorry this incident happened. And we're going to do everything in our power to make sure the suspect has a thorough trial, and we do a thorough investigation," Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold said during a press conference.
The officer who lost his life was identified as 51-year-old Eric Talley. Officials praised his bravery and said his actions saved lives. He leaves behind seven children.
"He took his job as a police officer very seriously. He had seven children. The youngest is 7 years old. He loved his kids and his family more than anything," Talley's father Homer wrote in a statement. "He joined the police force when he was 40 years old. He was looking for a job to keep himself off of the front lines and was learning to be a drone operator. He didn't want to put his family through something like this, and he believed in Jesus Christ."
The other nine victims were identified as Denny Strong, 20, Neven Stanisic, 23, Rikki Olds, 25, Tralona Bartkowiak, 49, Terry Leiker, 51, Suzanne Fountain, 59, Kevin Mahoney, 61, Lynn Murray, 62, and Jody Waters, 65.
"The victims food shopping were engaged in an everyday act, something we all do, and it turned out to be their last day on Earth. I cannot imagine the pain and agony that their loved ones — families — are feeling right now. We will make sure that the suspect is held accountable for what he did to them yesterday," Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said.
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