Ephraim Debisa Arrested at University of Northern Colorado with Firearm, Reigniting Debate Over Colorado's Competency Law

GREELEY, Colo. – Ephraim Debisa, 21, was arrested Wednesday at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) after being spotted on campus with a firearm, prompting a campus-wide alert. The arrest follows his controversial release from jail just weeks prior, a decision that has fueled a heated debate over Colorado's mental competency laws and their impact on public safety. UNC Police, with assistance from Greeley Police and the Weld County Sheriff's Office, apprehended Debisa, who had been banned from the campus due to past incidents.

University officials issued an alert after reports and social media video showed Debisa, also known as Debisa Ephraim, in the Arlington Apartments on campus with what was described as an AR-15-style rifle. While no one was threatened or harmed during the incident, the university warned students and staff to secure doors and remain vigilant. Debisa now faces charges for trespassing and unlawful possession of a weapon on school grounds.

Debisa's prior release from Weld County Jail garnered national attention after he was found incompetent to stand trial for charges including attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault. Law enforcement officials, including Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams, expressed strong opposition to his release, citing concerns about public safety. Sheriff Reams previously stated, "We're releasing someone that we don't think should be released. We're releasing someone who is a danger to the community."

The release stemmed from changes to Colorado's competency law, specifically House Bill 23-1034, enacted in 2023. This legislation mandates judges to dismiss cases against defendants found incompetent and unrestorable to stand trial if mental health services are unavailable within a specified timeframe. Critics argue this creates a "loophole" allowing potentially dangerous individuals to be released into the community without adequate mental health treatment or supervision.

Governor Jared Polis publicly criticized Debisa's initial release, calling it "absolutely unacceptable" and urging authorities to "remove this threat." However, Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke countered that the law, which the Governor signed, prevented them from retaining Debisa in custody. State Senator Judy Amabile (D-Boulder), a sponsor of HB23-1034, acknowledged the need for legislative adjustments but emphasized that the issue also highlights systemic failures in the state's civil mental healthcare system.