NPR has a thorough series covering every aspect of this terrible tragedy and I recently read through most of it. I have to say that I was and still am appalled by this event.
Do you know much about it? It happened last May and seems to have fallen off the news radar--having been replaced by society pages and entertainment news. This was an episode of domestic terrorism for sure, but in addition, with his desire to prevent the elimination of white people, it becomes a hate crime. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more of this type of behavior nationally.
Anyway, I went down the rabbit hole to gather as much information as I could find and it is posted below with links to news sources. Please read and let me know what you think about this event. Do you see it as domestic terrorism or a hate crime? If you don't agree with me, then tell me how you see it, please.
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The Buffalo Tops mass shooting is a tragic event that has deeply affected the Buffalo community and the nation at large. Here's a comprehensive overview of the situation and the current responses of the families of the victims:
Overview:
- Online Radicalization: A report by the New York attorney general's office revealed that the suspect was radicalized by online platforms. The investigation involved reviewing thousands of pages of documents and social media content, shedding light on how the suspect used online platforms to plan and publicize the mass shooting.
- Motive: The suspect, Payton Gendron, stated that his motive for the shooting was to prevent the "elimination of the white race." This racist motive has been a significant point of discussion and concern.
- Community Response: The East Side Buffalo community, where the shooting took place, has been deeply affected. In response, N.Y. officials announced plans for the May 14th Memorial Commission, aiming to support and uplift the community. Additionally, there have been discussions about reopening the Tops Friendly Markets grocery store, which has been met with mixed reactions from the community.
- Government Action: In the aftermath of the shooting, New York Governor Kathy Hochul pledged $10 million to combat domestic terrorism. The plan requires each county to include input from law enforcement, mental health, and school professionals.
Responses of the Affected Families:
Moreover, several lawsuits have been filed in relation to the Buffalo Tops mass shooting. The attorneys and families of the victims have filed civil lawsuits against various social media platforms, gun retailers, and the shooter's parents, alleging their roles in the shooting.
The lawsuits argue that the shooter, Payton Gendron, was radicalized by these platforms, leading to the tragic event. Companies mentioned in the lawsuits include Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), Reddit, Amazon (owner of Twitch), Google, YouTube, Discord, and 4Chan, among others. Additionally, companies like RMA Armament (a body-armor manufacturer) and Vintage Firearms, LLC (a gun retailer) are named as defendants. The lawsuits emphasize the role of social media in Gendron's radicalization, suggesting that he was exposed to racist and white supremacist propaganda on these platforms.
The Buffalo Tops mass shooting is a stark reminder of the dangers of online radicalization and the devastating impact of domestic terrorism. The incident has not only taken lives but has also left an indelible mark on the Buffalo community. As investigations continue and the community grapples with the aftermath, it is essential to address the root causes of such incidents and ensure that support systems are in place for affected families and communities.
Sources:
- https://www.npr.org/2023/07/12/1187289713/buffalo-tops-shooting-new-lawsuit-ben-crump
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/lawsuit-social-media-companies-buffalo-massacre/story?id=99223375
- https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/14/business/buffalo-shooting-lawsuit/index.html
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/2-new-lawsuits-seek-accountability-buffalo-mass-shooting/story?id=102306761
