A white, 18-year-old gunman, Payton Gendron, carried out a racially motivated mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Saturday, police say. The suspect allegedly shot 13 people, killing 10, most of whom were Black.
“It will be prosecuted as a hate crime,” said Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. “This is someone who has hate in their heart, soul, and mind.”
According to investigators, the orchestrated shooting was racially motivated. Gendron posted a 180-page document online expressing racist theories, including elaborate details for the planned shooting.
Officials say Gendron drove about 200 miles from his home in Conklin, New York to commit the deadly shooting. He was heavily armed and carrying a camera to live stream the attack using the social media app called Twitch.
Moments after the attack, Payton Grendon was arraigned for first-degree murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday morning, and it’s expected to be trial as a hate crime.
President Joe Biden announced that he and his wife Jill will travel to Buffalo tomorrow to grieve with the community and advocate for change.
“We must all work together to address the hate that remains a stain on the soul of America,” said the President as he addressed the annual law enforcement ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. “Our hearts are heavy once again, but our resolve must never ever waver.”
