According to an individual familiar with the inquiry, the 18-year-old suspect who opened fire at a Buffalo grocery Saturday claimed to investigators he was targeting the Black community.
Following his detention, the suspected shooter made unsettling claims about his intent and state of mind, according to the source. The words were direct and packed with anti-Black sentiment. Investigators also discovered evidence via search warrants and other techniques that the suspected gunman was researching similar hate crimes and shootings, according to the official.
The news comes only one day after a shooter opened fire at a Tops Friendly Markets shop in Buffalo’s predominantly Black area, killing ten people and injuring three more. Officials say 11 of the persons who were shot were Black. According to officials, the victims range in age from 20 to 86 years old. All 13 victims were recognized by Buffalo police on Sunday. A retired cop who attempted to stop the shooter, the elderly mother of the city’s previous fire commissioner, and a long-time substitute teacher were among those killed.
A spokesperson for Erie County Medical Center stated Saturday night that two persons remained hospitalized in stable condition.
Payton S. Gendron, an 18-year-old from Conklin, New York, was identified as the perpetrator. He reportedly authored a White nationalist manifesto online, traveled roughly 200 miles to the shop, and live streamed the crime, according to investigators.
According to Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, the attack was a racist hate crime that will be prosecuted.
The evidence revealed thus far by the investigators proves that this is an outright racist hate crime. A hate crime charge will be filed. This person is filled with hatred in their heart, soul, and intellect.
According to Gramaglia, investigators believe the suspect shot himself. According to the commissioner, the suspect was in Buffalo the day before the shooting and performed some reconnaissance at the Tops Friendly Markets shop.
