Senate Resolution No. 2083
BY: Senator BASKIN
COMMEMORATING the four-year Anniversary of the
shooting at Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New
York, on May 14, 2026, and honoring the victims,
survivors, families, and community at large in the
wake of this devastating tragedy
WHEREAS, The very principles of American freedom and the safety and
security of every American at home and abroad were challenged by the
unspeakable atrocities committed in the East Side of Buffalo, during a
sunny afternoon on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at a Tops grocery store
located on historic Jefferson Ave; and
WHEREAS, As we mark the four-year anniversary of this senseless
massacre, the Greater Buffalo community is conducting an array of events
to honor those who lost their lives and to uplift the community,
including the second annual 5/14 Day of Service & Remembrance, a
city-wide day of service, action, and connection, honoring the lives
lost in the May 14, 2022 tragedy; this initiative is planned by the
Clementine Gold Group and sponsored by the John R. Oishei Foundation,
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Nation Fuel, Community Access
Services of WNY, Hazen, Gilbane, and Northwest Bank; the initiative will
consist of a day of service throughout the City of Buffalo from 9 a.m.
to 2 p.m., followed by a community gathering at 3 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, Other events in honor of the anniversary of this profound
tragedy include BUILD of Buffalo's A Solemn Time of Remembrance, a
tribute to remember the lives lost in the Tops mass shooting; this event
will feature a moving address by Justice Craig D. Hannah, along with
heartfelt performances from Pastor Valerie Foye and Friends, Maestro
Henri Star Muhammad, and Bro. Brian Freeman; this initiative is
supported by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Jericho Road Community
Health Center, and Buffalo Project Labs; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, the community will gather for a remembrance
ceremony at the Tops supermarket; church bells will chime at 2:28 p.m.,
the moment the 123-second rampage began; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, as we remember this horrific day, we honor the
10 innocent people who were killed: Roberta A. Drury, Geraldine Talley,
Celestine Chaney, Katherine Massey, Pearl Young, Ruth Whitfield, Margus
D. Morrison, Andre Mackneil, retired Buffalo Police Lieutenant Aaron
Salter, and Heyward Patterson; and
WHEREAS, In addition, we honor the injured survivors: Jennifer
Warrington, Zaire Goodman, and Christopher Braden, and many non-injured
survivors throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, The May 14th Memorial Commission was established by the New
York State Governor and former Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown to combat
racism in all forms and work towards a future where hatred and bigotry
are a thing of the past; the Commission, led by Buffalo NAACP President
Reverend Mark Blue, will have a leading role in uplifting the East
Buffalo community; and
WHEREAS, For all New Yorkers, the images of this horrific domestic
act of terrorism rekindles heartbreaking memories and causes us to pause
and reflect on our daily lives; and
WHEREAS, The very heart and soul of America was once more shaken to
its core; this tragedy stands as a reminder that such senseless acts of
violence will not destroy the honorable values that America stands for;
and
WHEREAS, The power of human compassion and the strength and spirit
of the American people were revealed in Buffalo as we learned of the
immediate and heroic outpouring of service and concern for the victims
of this act of terrorism and in its aftermath; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude
to those devoted first responders, including police officers, Erie
County sheriff's deputies, and FBI agents, as well as paramedics and
firefighters, who inspire us all by carrying out their sworn duties with
great courage and bravery; and
WHEREAS, The combined and coordinated efforts of these individuals
and their swift response are a testament to the spirit of unity and
fellowship in the face of adversity which characterizes the best of
America; and
WHEREAS, The people of the State of New York stand steadfast in
their solidarity with Buffalo, New York, honoring all who were
victimized by the city's worst mass shooting on Saturday, May 14, 2022,
and stand resolute in our obligation to condemn racism, domestic
terrorism, and all forms of hatred; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the four-year Anniversary of the mass shooting at Tops
Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue, and to extend to the people of
Buffalo the sincerest best wishes and heartfelt prayers of all New
Yorkers; and be it further
