Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) – Survivors and families of the victims of the May 14, 2022 racially motivated mass shooting at the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue joined Congressman Tim Kennedy (D, NY-26) on Monday morning to introduce legislation prohibiting the ownership or sale of enhanced military-grade body armor by civilians.
Enhanced body armor has been used in mass shootings across the country, including the one nearly three years ago in East Buffalo that claimed the lives of 10 people and wounded three others.
The bill is named after former Buffalo Police Lt. Aaron Salter Jr., who was working as a security guard at that Tops when gunfire rang out. Salter Jr. returned fire before being among those killed on May 14.
The bill being introduced by Rep. Kennedy is called the "Aaron Salter Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act."
Salter used his extensive firearms and police training to hold off the attacker, allowing more customers to flee the store. While Salter was able to shoot the gunman, they were wearing body armor that allowed him to continue his attack.
"Lt. Aaron Salter, Jr. was a hero in the truest sense of the word. In the face of horror, he stood firm and saved lives in the process. If not for the shooter’s use of military-grade body armor, Salter’s actions would likely have ended the carnage much sooner. No civilian needs this type of armor, which is designed for use in warfare. Lt. Salter’s legacy lives on through the lives he saved, and we can further cement that legacy by passing this legislation. This bill will save lives - both civilians and law enforcement alike," stated Kennedy.
Kennedy says the bill specifically targets RF1-enhanced body armor, which is capable of stopping certain high-velocity rounds — including the 5.56mm round commonly used in AR-style rifles.
"There's also exemptions for law enforcement and former law enforcement, which is why this bill is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police as well as a number of gun violence prevention organizations."
Enhanced body armor designed to withstand rifle ammunition is defined as body armor meeting or exceeding the National Institute of Justice’s RFI ballistic resistance standards. This body armor is legal, and can currently be purchased on the internet without restrictions.
"The fact that an 18 year old, three years ago, could go online and purchase military grade body armor that included a military grade helmet and shield and hard armor, which is even more sophisticated than our own police wear, because it's military grade is unacceptable. We intend to fix that loophole in the policy here in our country and make our streets safer."