As the details of Saturday’s horrific mass shooting in Buffalo continue to emerge it is painfully clear, yet again, that the evils of assumed white body supremacy and black body racism persist. Racial hatred ought to have no place in our world, in our neighborhoods, or in our churches… let alone in our hearts.
You have likely heard that the alleged shooter, an 18-year-old white man dressed in body armor brandishing a high-powered rifle and live-streaming camera, drove more than 200 miles intentionally targeting a grocery store in a predominantly black neighborhood. He shot thirteen image bearers of God, killing ten people, and injuring three. Eleven of the people shot were African-Americans.
I ask you to join me in praying for those who have died, for those who are injured and suffering, and for the families and loved ones whose lives will never be the same. Pray, too, for the man who committed this terrible act, and for everyone whose mind and soul is twisted toward the evil of gun violence by racism. And please pray for those in places of influence in our organizations, governments, media, churches, and other collectives that they might boldly lean into the vital work of interrogating, confronting, and transforming systems of oppression which render hate-filled acts like this shooting plausible.
These are the names of each of the people who were killed or wounded. I encourage you to hold each name in your heart, mind, and body… our siblings in Christ.
Aaron Salter, 55, Aaron was a recently retired police lieutenant who worked as a security guard at the store, was shot and killed after confronting the shooter at the front entrance.
Ruth Whitfield, 86, Ruth was a “beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.”
Katherine “Kat” Massey, 72, Kat was a writer who wrote about gun violence in her community and was part of a community group that helped local residents.
Geraldine Talley, 62, Geraldine stopped at the store with her fiancé to pick up a few ingredients for a picnic.
Heyward Patterson, 67, Heyward would drive residents to get their groceries and volunteered at his church in his free time.
Celestine Chaney , 65, Celestine was a breast cancer survivor; she was at the grocery store to get shrimp and strawberry shortcake. She loved being a grandmother.
Roberta Drury, 32, Roberta often shopped for her brother – who is recovering from leukemia – and his family, who lived near this grocery store.
Pearly Young, 77, Pearly ran a weekly food pantry, and was shopping for groceries.
Margus D. Morrison, 52, Margus was the father of three children. His stepdaughter said, “his kids all considered their dad their best friend and always went to him for advice.”
Andre Mackneil, 53, Andre was engaged to be married, he died on his son’s third birthday.
Those who were injured:
Zaire Goodman, 20, Zaire survived being shot in the neck while helping an elderly woman with her shopping cart.
Jennifer Warrington, 50, Jennifer survived being shot in the head while working in the grocery store’s pharmacy.
Christopher Braden, 55, Christopher of Lackawanna, NY was also wounded, but survived.
God help us.
Peace, dwight
