NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that state landmarks will be lit orange and flags will be flown at half-staff on Sunday to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Buffalo racist mass shooting.
"We must condemn the hateful white supremacy that motivated this attack and call out hate when we see it," Hochul said in a statement. "My heart goes out to my hometown and the families who have lost loved ones, and we are dedicated to helping the East Buffalo community as it continues to heal."
State landmarks to be lit will include:
- One World Trade Center
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza State Fairgrounds - Main Gate and Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
The May 14, 2022, assault-rifle attack on Tops Friendly Market was one of the most brazen race-motivated atrocities in modern U.S. history.
In February, the gunman was sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to murder and other charges brought by local prosecutors. A federal criminal hate crimes case is still pending, as U.S. Justice Department officials weigh whether to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
New York legislators quickly passed a law banning semiautomatic rifle sales to most people under age 21. The state also banned sales of some types of body armor.
In June, President Joe Biden signed a compromise gun violence bill intended to toughen background checks, keep firearms from more domestic violence offenders and help states make it easier for authorities to take weapons from people adjudged to be dangerous.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Related
Related
Related
