The following names released by Buffalo Police are the victims of the mass shooting that occurred at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, on May 14, 2022:
Deceased:
Roberta A. Drury, 32
Margus D. Morrison, 52
Andre Mackneil, 53
Aaron Salter, 55
Geraldine Talley, 62
Celestine Chaney, 65
Heyward Patterson, 67
Katherine Massey, 72
Pearl Young, 77
Ruth Whitfield, 86
The three surviving victims are:
Zaire Goodman, 20
Jennifer Warrington, 50
Christopher Braden, 55
The ten people above lost their lives to hate. Hate motivated the shooter. I do not understand. Even as I write, even as I read the many articles regarding the shooting, I do not understand. I have been angry, I have felt rage, and I have even uttered the words, "I hate ..." however, I do not understand. I do not understand how anyone hates anyone, especially strangers they have never met, so much they feel the need to kill. I do not understand.
There are no words that will make this better, nothing that will bring the ten deceased back to their families and friends. Our community, our city, is scarred by being one of many other places that have had mass shootings. When will it stop? Will Buffalo, New York, be the last? Sadly, I do not think so. I do not understand.
Ten people are gone. A community is in mourning, our hearts heavy. The hate is not gone with the arrest of this shooter. There are others just like him. I do not understand. Where does hate like that come from? Who is teaching their children this is okay? Who believes this to be okay? I do not understand.
There is no advice I can give, it all seems trite. Love your children and teach them love and kindness. This seems like such a logical thing to do, to me. I do not understand. I want to do more, I am so confused and I do not understand. Hug everyone around you a bit longer and remember those above who lost their chance to hug and be hugged because of hate, then go out and love. Share love. Be kind. Do not tolerate hate.
Love Lots; Smile Often; Defeat Hate MommaHattie