Buffalo Mass Shooting Suspect Had Been Flagged As ‘Troubled’ A Year Ago: Report

Authorities said that the shooter arrived at Tops Friendly Market around 2:30 p.m. ET wearing tactical gear and armed with a rifle. He shot four people outside the grocery, three fatally, before entering. Once inside, the shooter was confronted by security guard and former Buffalo police officer Aaron Salter, 55, who was shot dead trying to stop the gunman. The shooter shot eight more people inside the store, six of whom died, authorities said. Police responded and took the suspect into custody.

“Today is a shock,” Salter’s son, Aaron Salter III, told The Daily Beast. “I’m pretty sure he saved some lives today. He’s a hero.”

Among the other dead victims were Ruth Whitfield, 86; Katherine Massey, and Pearly Young, 77. Others had not yet been identified, but reportedly include four store employees.

The suspect, who recorded the horrific spree with a camera mounted to his tactical helmet, was arraigned Saturday in Buffalo City Court on a first-degree murder charge and faces life in prison if convicted.

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