What happened in Buffalo?
A mass shooting occurred at Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New York, on a Saturday afternoon. The area around the store is predominantly Black, with census data indicating a community where roughly 79% identify as Black, about 13% as Asian, and 3% as White in the surrounding region.
The assailant, Payton Gendron, 18, traveled to the store and began broadcasting a live stream from the parking lot. The incident was streamed on Twich, and during the broadcast, Gendron stated a disturbing line, later clipped by the platform shortly after it started.
Authorities described the attacker as heavily armed, wearing a bulletproof vest and a military-style helmet, and carrying an assault rifle. Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia noted that Gendron appeared to be well equipped for a violent confrontation.
Upon arriving, Gendron exited the vehicle and opened fire in the parking lot, wounding several people before entering the store at around 2:30 p.m. local time. A security guard, Aaron Salter, a former police officer, fired at the assailant but was unable to stop him due to the bulletproof vest. The attacker returned fire and killed Salter.
Inside the store, the shooter moved through aisles, targeting customers. A store employee, Shonnell Harris, recalled that the store was crowded on the weekend and that some victims likely attempted to hide near the registers as the attack unfolded. Preliminary reports indicate that the gunman killed ten people and injured three others, with eleven of the thirteen victims identified as African American.
After the violence ended, Gendron exited the building and fled the scene as police arrived. Eyewitness accounts describe his stunt of pretending to take his own life before being confronted by officers. One witness recounted the moment the shooter walked out, with officers shouting commands while the suspect stood still for a time.
When a responding patrol car reached the scene, the gunman dropped his weapon and began removing some gear. Officers then approached and detained him without further incident.
Background on the shooter and investigation
p>The attacker, who traveled from Conklin in Broome County, New York, to Buffalo, was said to be planning the crime for several hours before the attack. Authorities and community leaders urged restraint and called for unity rather than division in the aftermath. The mayor emphasized a desire to prevent racial tensions from flaring in response to the violence.
Gendron, who is nearing his 19th birthday, reportedly posted a 180-page online manifesto that espoused racist white supremacist beliefs. In addition, racist inscriptions were found on the rifle used in the attack. The FBI is treating the case as both a hate crime and an act of racial-based violence, with investigators seeking evidence of intent and motivation tied to racial hatred. The incident is being reviewed by federal and local authorities to determine the full scope of the crime and any associated criminal charges.
Legal proceedings have begun, with Gendron facing first-degree murder charges. He has not entered a plea and remains in custody without bail. A subsequent court date has been scheduled to advance the case. Local law enforcement and prosecutors have described the shooter as a dangerous individual whose actions are being investigated for potential additional charges and broader implications for public safety.
Reaction from officials and the community
p>Local and national leaders condemned the violence. Erie County Sheriff John Garcia described the shooter in stark terms as a total demon, while U.S. Attorney General and other officials urged the nation to confront racist violence without allowing it to erode democratic values. The president also addressed the incident, underscoring that hate crimes threaten the fabric of society and that domestic terrorism in any form has no place in the United States. Statements from city and state leaders reflected a shared commitment to supporting affected families and rebuilding community trust in the wake of the tragedy.
Context for readers in Canada and the United States
p>The Buffalo attack is part of a broader, ongoing national conversation about hate crimes, domestic terrorism, and the safety of public spaces. Canadian and American readers are reminded to monitor official guidance from local authorities during such incidents and to seek reliable information about investigations and court proceedings. In the United States, federal and state agencies routinely coordinate to address hate-motivated violence, support victims, and pursue accountability for perpetrators. The event also emphasizes the importance of community resilience and proactive measures to counterracist extremism and protect vulnerable populations.
Notes for readers seeking factual confirmation
p>Authorities have released verified details through official channels, including statements from the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement, and state leaders. Ongoing updates will reflect the progress of legal proceedings and the evolving understanding of the motive and impact of the crime. This account adheres to publicly available information and official statements from credible agencies to ensure accuracy and responsible reporting [FBI; U.S. Attorney’s Office].