Remembering the Tragedy: 3 Years Since the Mass Shooting at Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, New York
Today, we pause to reflect on the heartbreaking tragedy that occurred three years ago—on May 14, 2022—when a gunman opened fire inside the Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people and injuring three others. The attack, which targeted the Black community, was a devastating reminder of the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in the United States and the deep-rooted issues of racial hatred and extremism that continue to haunt the nation.
The shooting took place in the East Side of Buffalo, a predominantly Black neighborhood, and shocked not just the local community but the entire country. The gunman, later identified as Payton Gendron, traveled more than 200 miles from his home in Conklin, New York, to carry out the attack, which he livestreamed on social media. His actions were premeditated and driven by racist ideologies, which he openly expressed in a manifesto before the shooting.
The victims, all innocent people simply going about their daily lives, were from different walks of life. Many were older members of the community, grocery shopping in the familiar surroundings of a store they trusted. In the blink of an eye, the Tops supermarket, which had long served as a safe and reliable place for people to gather, became a scene of unspeakable violence.
The Victims: Lives Cut Short
The lives of the 10 victims who lost their lives that day, and the three others who were injured, are forever intertwined with the tragedy that unfolded in Buffalo. Each one was a person with dreams, loved ones, and aspirations, tragically taken from this world by a senseless act of hatred. The following are the names of the victims who perished in this horrific attack:
- Aaron Salter Jr. – A retired Buffalo police officer working as a security guard at the store. Salter tried to stop the shooter and sacrificed his life to protect others.
- Ruth Whitfield – A beloved 86-year-old woman who was shopping for groceries when her life was taken.
- Pearl Young – A 77-year-old grandmother and church volunteer, who had been shopping for food for a church event.
- Katherine Massey – A 72-year-old community leader and advocate for social justice, who had a deep love for her neighborhood.
- Heyward Patterson – A church deacon and driver who was returning from church services when he was murdered at the store.
- Margus Morrison – A 52-year-old man known for his kindness and generosity, who worked in the community.
- Celestine Chaney – A 65-year-old woman who was described as a vibrant and loving mother and grandmother.
- Geraldine Talley – A 62-year-old mother and grandmother, who was known for her warmth and commitment to family.
- Andre Mackniel – A 53-year-old man who was shopping for his young son at the time of the shooting.
- William T. “Bill” Shaw – A 69-year-old man who was deeply involved in his community and described as a loving father and grandfather.
These 10 victims were not just numbers or headlines. They were parents, grandparents, children, friends, and neighbors. The impact of their loss is still deeply felt by their families, friends, and the Buffalo community. The survivors of the shooting, as well as the first responders, have also carried the emotional weight of that day, and many continue to cope with the aftermath in their own ways.
The Shooter’s Motivations: A Hate-Fueled Attack
The attack was not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend of hate-driven violence. The shooter, Payton Gendron, had expressed racist ideologies in a manifesto he wrote before the attack, in which he detailed his intention to target the Black community and specifically mentioned the Tops supermarket because of its location in a predominantly African American neighborhood.
Gendron’s actions were a chilling reflection of the rise of white nationalist and extremist movements in the United States, which have fueled attacks on communities of color, places of worship, and other vulnerable groups. His shooting was not just a random act of violence—it was a calculated act of hatred driven by a desire to inflict harm on Black Americans. His choice to livestream the attack only added to the horror, showing the world the gruesome extent of the violence and the complete disregard for human life that drove his actions.
The fact that this attack occurred in a public space—a grocery store—where people should have felt safe only amplified the sense of loss and betrayal felt by the Buffalo community. The Tops supermarket, once a familiar and welcoming place, became a symbol of the terror inflicted on those simply going about their daily lives. The emotional trauma of the survivors, those who witnessed the horror, and the families of the victims is immeasurable.
The Immediate Aftermath: The Community Responds
In the days following the shooting, Buffalo and the larger Western New York region rallied together in solidarity to support the victims’ families, the survivors, and the community. Vigils, memorials, and prayer services were held to honor those who had lost their lives and to provide a space for healing.
Local, state, and federal officials quickly took action. Law enforcement agencies from around the country mobilized to investigate the attack and to hold Gendron accountable for his actions. The FBI declared the shooting a hate crime, and the Department of Justice initiated federal proceedings against Gendron, who faced charges related to terrorism, hate crimes, and the murder of 10 individuals.
The outpouring of support from the community was overwhelming, but the road to healing for the victims’ families and survivors would be long and difficult. The emotional scars of that day are not something that can be undone or forgotten in a short amount of time. But the resilience and strength shown by the Buffalo community, both immediately after the shooting and in the years since, is a testament to their ability to come together in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
The Call for Change: Addressing Gun Violence and Racial Hatred
The Tops supermarket shooting also reignited a national conversation about gun violence, hate crimes, and the need for stronger policies to protect communities from such atrocities. The tragedy served as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive gun reform to prevent individuals with extremist views from obtaining firearms and using them to commit acts of violence. Additionally, the attack brought renewed attention to the issue of racial hatred and the dangerous ideologies that continue to fester in parts of society, leading to real-world violence against marginalized groups.
The Buffalo attack was one of several mass shootings that year, and it underscored the urgency for action in addressing not only gun violence but also the broader social issues of racism and extremism. It led to calls from advocacy groups, lawmakers, and community leaders for comprehensive solutions that address both the symptoms and root causes of such violence.
Three Years Later: Reflecting on the Loss, Honoring the Lives
As we mark the third anniversary of this devastating tragedy, we continue to remember the lives that were lost that day. The victims of the Tops supermarket shooting—and all those affected by the attack—remain in our hearts and minds. While the physical scars may fade, the emotional impact of the violence will endure for the families and communities touched by this tragedy.
We also remember the resilience of Buffalo and its people. Despite the pain, the city has worked to rebuild and honor the victims’ legacies. Memorials and community outreach programs have been established to ensure that the memories of those lost will never be forgotten, and that the fight against hate continues in their names.
On this somber anniversary, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, to the survivors, and to the entire Buffalo community. May we all continue to stand against hate, violence, and division, and work towards a future where tragedies like the one at Tops supermarket never happen again.
Rest in peace to the victims of May 14, 2022. Your lives mattered, and you will never be forgotten.