An 18-year-old suspect has been released on bail on first-degree murder charges following a mass shooting at a supermarket in New York state.
Authorities described it as a “hate crime” and “racially violent extremism”.
The attacker, wearing a gun jacket and tactical helmet, opened fire in a parking lot, then Buffalo’s Tops Friendly Market around 2:30 pm Saturday, killing 10 customers and employees and injuring three others – all during broadcast. Live events online.
When police arrived at the scene and met the gunman, he allegedly placed the gun around his neck, but was later persuaded to drop the gun and surrender.
Authorities said 11 of those shot were black and two were white, and Erie County Sheriff John Garcia described the attack as “pure evil” and a direct crime of racism by someone from outside our community. ”
When the suspect appeared in court Saturday, he identified himself as Payton Gendron, 18, of Conklin, New York, about 200 miles southeast of Buffalo. He was charged with first degree murder and could be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole under New York state law. After pleading not guilty, the next court session is set for next week.
Many federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, assist local authorities with their investigations.
New York Governor Kathy Hauckol described the attacker as a “white supremacist who committed a hate crime against an innocent community”, expressing her sincere hope that this man would spend the rest of the his days behind bars. ”
Source: RT
Source: Arabic RT
