Assembly Resolution No. 1370
BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes
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 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; 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
Governor of the State of New York 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, The Commission's vision is to build the 5/14 Living
Memorial and Healing Center into a lasting symbol of
restoration-honoring memory, advancing healing, and shaping a national
model for how communities can respond to tragedy with purpose, dignity,
and hope; and
WHEREAS, The Buffalo Together Community Response Fund (BTCRF) was
formed in the aftermath of the racially-motivated killing to work
towards a more just and equitable community, initially as a
collaboration of 14 local funding organizations, raising $6.3 million
and providing emergency response grants in the immediate aftermath of
the tragedy totaling $655,000 to 86 community-based organizations
serving the East Side with the remaining $6.1 million designated for
creating a long-term community investment strategy to address systemic
issues on the East Side; 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, and 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 of whom were
victimized by the city's worst mass shooting on Saturday, May 14, 2022,
and standing 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 Supermarkets, and to extend to the people of Buffalo the
sincerest best wishes and heartfelt prayers of all New Yorkers; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to survivors and families of the victims of this horrific
act of domestic terrorism.
