Assembly Resolution No. 969

BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes

EXPRESSING sincerest, heartfelt condolences to the
Buffalo, New York, community in the wake of the
devastating tragedy which took place at a Tops
grocery store on Jefferson Avenue, and applauding
all those who acted immediately and heroically in
the face of danger

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, During this senseless act of violence, 10 innocent people
were killed: Roberta A. Drury, 32 years-old; Geraldine Talley, 62
years-old; Celestine Chaney, 65 years-old; Kathrine Massey, 72
years-old; Pearl Young, 77 years-old; Ruth Whitfield, 85 years-old;
Margus D. Morrison, 52 years-old; Andre Mackneil, 53 years-old; retired
Buffalo police officer, Aaron Salter, 55 years-old; and Heyward
Patterson, 67 years-old; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Jennifer Warrington, 50 years-old; Zaire
Goodman, 20 years-old; and Christopher Braden, 55 years-old, were
wounded, however are expected to survive; 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 has once more been
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, all of whom were victimized by

the city's worst mass shooting on Saturday, May 14, 2022; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
express sincerest, heartfelt condolences to the victims and their
families and to applaud all those who acted immediately and heroically
in the face of danger, and to extend to the people of Buffalo the
sincere best wishes and heartfelt prayers of all New Yorkers; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to survivors and families of the victims of this horrific
act of domestic terrorism.