BUFFALO- (WBAP/KLIF) – The crimes of the 18-year old suspect held without bond in the shooting deaths of 10 people and wounding of three more at a Buffalo grocery store Saturday are being investigated to determine if federal hate crime and or domestic terrorism charges should be applied.
Payton Gendron is reported to have published a manifesto online attributing his crimes to white supremacism. In that alleged manifesto, the suspect appears to espouse a “Great Replacement” theory frequently pushed by white supremacists; a racist doctrine along the lines of white Americans being “replaced” by non-white immigrants. Police say he drove from his home in Conklin New York for about two hours, believing he picked a predominantly Black neighborhood and the grocery store location that had recently been a “food desert”. All but two of those shot were Black citizens. The store was described as a meeting place for the community.
Authorities say Gendron live streamed the shooting, beginning as he drove up to the store, got out of his vehicle and began shooting in the parking lot; continuing the carnage inside. Gendron was initially charged with one count of murder Saturday; more charges are likely.
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