Gunman Who Killed Ten People in Buffalo, NY Supermarket Sentenced to Life in Prison

The Buffalo, New York gunman, Payton Gendron, who murdered ten Black patrons at Tops Friendly Markets in 2022, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The 19-year-old shooter gave the following statement on behalf of his actions, "I did a terrible thing that day. I shot and killed people because they were Black. Looking back now, I can't believe I actually did it. I believed what I read online and acted out the hate and now I can't take it back, but I wish I could." Payton entered the supermarket with armored gear and a camera that enabled him to live stream the massacre. He reportedly drove hours from his home to the supermarket, which was known to have many Black customers.

Judge Susan Eagan made the following statement regarding his crimes, "There is no place for you or your ignorant, hateful and evil ideologies in a civilized society. There can be no mercy for you, no understanding, no second chances. The damage you have caused is too great and the people you have hurt are too valuable to this community. You will never see the light of day as a free man ever again." The U.S. Department of Justice can still seek the death penalty for the remaining crimes he's been charged with, including 14 counts of hate crime and another 13 charges for firearm use while carrying out a hate crime.

Photo Credit: AP