If you came from another country and asked an American about the latest mass shooting, that American would then sadly ask, “Which one?”
First, the nation learned in horror about a deadly shooting in Buffalo, NY. In this barrage of violence, the accused gunman entered a supermarket and began firing with a Bushmaster semi-automatic rifle. In all, 10 people were killed, while three were injured.
As brazen as the act of killing the innocents to begin with was, the shooter intentionally targeted Black people under the white supremacist fear of replacement theory – which alleges that white people would be replaced by minorities – all while live streaming the assault on the Twitch social media video platform. Just as alarming, the alleged shooter had a plethora of ramblings listed in a 180 page online manifesto.
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced that 18-year-old Payton S. Gendron of Conklin, New York was arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Craig D. Hannah on one count of Murder in the First Degree (Class “A-I” felony).
It is alleged that on Saturday, May 14, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the defendant drove to Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue near Riley Street in the City of Buffalo with the intent to commit a crime. Gendron, who was allegedly wearing tactical gear and armed with an assault weapon, encountered several people in the parking lot. The defendant is accused of intentionally shooting four people outside of the grocery store. Three of the four victims died from their injuries.
It is further alleged that the defendant entered the store and exchanged gunfire with an armed security guard. The security guard, who was a retired member of the Buffalo Police Department, died from his injuries. The defendant allegedly shot eight more people inside of the store. Six died from their injuries. Two people were injured by gunfire.
Gendron was quickly apprehended by responding police officers.
“This is a tragic day in the City of Buffalo. This defendant is accused of traveling to our area and targeting innocent people who were shopping for their groceries on a Saturday afternoon. I continue to pray for all affected by this horrific crime. I am committed to obtaining justice for the victims, their families and this community. My office is working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners in law enforcement into potential terrorism and hate crimes. This is an active investigation and additional charges may be filed,” said Erie County DA John Flynn.
Gendron is scheduled to return on Thursday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was remanded without bail. If convicted of the charge, Gendron faces maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
DA Flynn commended the Buffalo Police Department, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, FBI, ATF and all other assisting law enforcement agencies for their work in this ongoing investigation.
President Biden spoke to the people of Buffalo in their city May 17, and outright called the act terrorism, and that “white supremacy is a poison.”
While the Buffalo shooting had the largest spread across media, it was not the only incident where racism was at the core.
On May 15, investigators arrested David Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after he entered Geneva Presbyterian Church in the 24000 block of El Toro Road in Laguna Woods and fired multiple rounds, striking six victims. At the time of the shooting, members of the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church, which has had a space at the church since 2009, were having a lunch banquet to welcome a pastor who had recently returned from Taiwan.
Five victims sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The sixth victim, identified as Dr. John Cheng, 52, of Laguna Niguel, sustained multiple gunshot wounds when he intervened and tackled the suspect, allowing other church members to detain the suspect. The victims also were able to tie his legs with extension cords and confiscate two handguns from the suspect. Dr. Cheng, who was attending the lunch banquet with his mother, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Dr. Cheng was a loving family man, dedicated doctor and a beloved member of our community, and we send our deepest condolences to all who knew him,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “There is no doubt that Dr. Cheng’s actions that day saved the lives of many other church members. He is a hero and will be remembered by this community as such.”
Investigators believe the suspect may have traveled to the Southern California area on Saturday, May 14, 2022, and came to the church Sunday morning. During the lunch, the suspect is believed to have secured the doors to the building with chains and placed superglue into the keyholes. He then started shooting inside the building.
Investigators located three bags strategically placed in the building containing various items, including additional ammunition and four Molotov cocktail-type devices. The incendiary devices were collected by the OC Sheriff Hazardous Devices Section and will be analyzed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
OC Sheriff investigators worked with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to serve a search warrant on the suspect’s residence. Investigators currently are processing multiple items of evidence, including electronic devices. In addition, evidence was collected from the suspect’s vehicle, which was located in the church parking lot.
Based on preliminary findings of the investigation, evidence collected, and statements from the suspect, investigators were able to connect the suspect to the shooting. It also was determined the suspect was upset about political tensions involving China and Taiwan.
“It appears this tragic incident was fueled by politically motivated hate, and that is something we do not tolerate,” Barnes said. “Orange County is a community that celebrates diversity and takes pride in being a place people feel safe to worship, work and live. While someone from outside our community has attempted to diminish these ideals through an act of violence, we remain united in our commitment to tolerance and acceptance.”
Additional evidence is still being processed and the investigation is ongoing. The Sheriff’s Department continues to work with the Orange County Fire Authority, ATF, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) on this incident.
“One weekend in America…It is well past time for outrage and action. It is well past time for Congress to step up and pass real nationwide gun safety legislation,” New Jersey governor Phil Murphy tweeted in response to the violence.
