Payton Gendron, the 18-year-old suspect in the racially motivated mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket in May 2022, pleaded not guilty to federal hate crime and weapons charges on Thursday, August 18, 2022. The plea was entered by Gendron's attorney in a brief court appearance in Buffalo, New York.
The charges against Gendron include 27 counts of hate crimes resulting in death, hate crimes involving an attempt to kill, and use of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence. He also faces three counts of using a firearm while committing a violent crime. If convicted, Gendron could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
The shooting at the Tops Friendly Market on May 14, 2022, left 10 people dead and three others injured. The victims were all Black, and prosecutors have alleged that Gendron specifically targeted the store because it was in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Gendron is accused of driving to Buffalo from his home in Conklin, New York, armed with a semi-automatic rifle and wearing body armor. He allegedly opened fire on shoppers and employees inside the store, killing multiple people before surrendering to police.
Payton Gendron
Racially motivated mass shooter.
- 18 years old
- White male
- From Conklin, New York
- Suspect in Buffalo supermarket shooting
- Killed 10 people, injured 3
- Pleaded not guilty to federal hate crime and weapons charges
Gendron is accused of driving to Buffalo from his home in Conklin, New York, armed with a semi-automatic rifle and wearing body armor. He allegedly opened fire on shoppers and employees inside the Tops Friendly Market, killing multiple people before surrendering to police.