On May 14, 2022, a gunman opened fire inside a Tops Friendly Markets grocery store located in a predominantly Black neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. The attack, which left ten people dead and three others injured, was later described by investigators as a racially motivated hate crime. The shooter, an 18-year-old white male, arrived at the store wearing tactical gear and armed with an assault rifle. Eyewitness accounts reported panic and confusion as shoppers and employees attempted to flee the scene upon hearing gunfire. This tragic incident occurred around 2:30 PM, and emergency responders quickly arrived to manage the situation and assist the victims.

In the ensuing investigation, authorities revealed that the shooter had traveled several hours from his home to target this particular community. The attack was carefully planned, as demonstrated by the extensive manifesto he posted online, outlining his extremist beliefs. Many of the deceased were regular customers and community members, making the loss even more poignant for the residents of Buffalo.

The aftermath of the shooting saw an outpouring of grief, but it also spurred discussions around gun control, domestic terrorism, and racial violence in America. Vigils and memorials were held in honor of the victims, reinforcing community solidarity in the face of such violence. Local and national leaders emphasized the urgent need to address hate crimes and enact legislation aimed at preventing future tragedies. Proposals for stricter gun control laws gained traction in the wake of the event, reflecting a growing concern about mass shootings and the prevalence of hate in society.