Buffalo mass shooting suspect identified as Payton Gendron

People hug in shock and disbelief outside the scene. AP

On Saturday, ten people were killed in a mass shooting at a Tops grocery store in Buffalo, New York, which authorities have described as an "evil" act of racially motivated violent extremism and possibly the worst mass shooting in the city's history.

On Saturday, Payton Gendron of Conklin, New York, was charged with first-degree murder. He entered a not-guilty plea.

Here's what we know about what occurred:

How many victims?

According to officials, ten individuals were slain in the Saturday shooting, including a veteran Buffalo police officer acting as a store security guard.

In a press conference on Saturday, they revealed that three more people had non-fatal injuries.

Eleven of the victims are Black, according to the police, and four are store employees.

Are police holding the suspect?

Payton Gendron, an 18-year-old white boy, has been apprehended by police and charged with first-degree murder; he has pled not guilty.

Was the shooting in Buffalo racially motivated?

The event is being investigated as a possible hate crime and domestic extremism.

Saturday, Sheriff John Garcia of Erie County stated, "This was pure evil." It was a blatant act of racism committed by someone outside our community.

Police stated that they have evidence indicating a racist motive for the attack, although they did not corroborate media allegations that Mr. Gendron left behind an online hate manifesto.

The gunman allegedly published a racist manifesto on the infamous online forum 4chan, including white nationalist views about the "great replacement" theory and IQ disparities between races.

According to The New York Times, the paper states that he chose his target because it had the most significant population of Black individuals nearby. In addition, it tells how the shooter was "bored" and radicalized during Covid lockdowns in 2020 by reading the messageboard and references the Christchurch, New Zealand gunman as an influence.

What type of weapon was used by the alleged shooter?

Police stated that the shooter was carrying "tactical gear," including a military-style weapon and body armor.

Officials reported on Saturday that a security guard inside the Tops supermarket fired at and injured the alleged gunman during the mass shooting, but the armor plate stopped the bullet.

Mr. Gendron was using a lawfully acquired weapon with modifications that are unlawful in New York, according to Governor Kathy Hochul, who emphasized that such "illegal magazines" could be legally purchased in neighboring states such as Pennsylvania.

How did the gunfight transpire?

The perpetrator arrived at the supermarket after 2.30 p.m. ET, shot four persons in the parking lot, killing three, and then fired additional bullets inside the store.

As the gunman moved through the market, several hid.

Will G, an employee of Tops Markets, told The Buffalo News that he and a group of individuals sheltered in a supermarket's walk-in cooler as gunfire sounded out in the store.

"I just heard gunfire. Shot after shot after shot," he told the publication. "It sounded as if things were toppling.... I hid. I just hid. I had no intention of leaving that room."

Cops encircled the suspect in the store's vestibule following the gun spree. Before officials persuaded him to drop his weapons and surrender, he put the gun to his neck.

Has the suspect been charged with a crime?

Payton Gendron has been charged with first-degree murder and faces life without parole in jail if convicted.

His next court appearance is scheduled for May 19th.

What is the investigation's next step?

Buffalo police are currently securing and investigating a vast crime scene involving the parking lot and interior of the Tops shop.

The Buffalo Police Department, the New York State Police, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives collaborate with the investigation.

The government may impose further fees in the future.

What do authorities say about the shooting?

Following the attack, leaders at all levels of government have issued statements.

"This afternoon, the President was briefed on the horrific shooting in Buffalo, New York by his Homeland Security Advisor," the White House stated. As new information emerges, he will continue to receive updates throughout the evening and the following day. The President and First Lady offer prayers for the deceased and their loved ones.

Saturday at a press conference, US Representative Brian Higgins stated, "The eyes of the nation are on Buffalo." These are filled with grief and compassion for the brutality and tragedy done against good, innocent people.

Buffalo's mayor, Byron Brown, added, "This should not occur in this or any other community in the United States." The City of Good Neighbors. We are a community of love, and we pray that racial tensions will not be exacerbated. We cannot let a wicked person divide this command; an evil person divides our question."

Publish : 2022-05-15 08:48:00

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