From left: Joe and Jill Biden.Photo: KEVIN LAMARQUE/POOL/AFP via Getty
The White House said the Bidens will make their trip “to grieve with the community that lost ten lives in a senseless and horrific mass shooting.”
Officials have saidthe shootingtook place at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Tops Friendly Markets at 1275 Jefferson Avenue in a predominantly Black neighborhood.
The gunman began shooting in the store’s parking lot before entering the store, where he shot more people. Buffalo police who responded to the scene engaged the suspect, who eventually put a gun to his own neck before officers convinced him to drop the weapon and took him into custody.
Officials said at a Saturday evening press conference that authorities are investigating terrorism charges.
In a statement issued following the shooting on Saturday, the president described the event as “hate-fueled domestic terrorism.”
“Tonight, we grieve for the families of ten people whose lives were senselessly taken and everyone who is suffering the physical and emotional wounds of this horrific shooting,” Biden’s statement said. “We are grateful for the bravery of members of law enforcement and other first responders who took immediate action to try to protect and save lives. The First Lady and I are praying for the victims and their families, and hearts all across this country are with the people of Buffalo.”
The statement continued: “A racially motivated hate crime is abhorrent to the very fabric of this nation. Any act of domestic terrorism, including an act perpetrated in the name of a repugnant white nationalist ideology, is antithetical to everything we stand for in America. Hate must have no safe harbor. We must do everything in our power to end hate-fueled domestic terrorism.”
In a tweet posted Sunday, Biden said he and Jill were praying for the victims and their families.
“Jill and I pray for the victims, their families and devastated community from yesterday’s mass shooting in Buffalo, New York,” he wrote. “Our hearts are heavy once again but our resolve must not waver; we must work together to address the hate that remains a stain on the soul of this nation.”
source: people.com
