NEW YORK – Authorities confirmed that at least eight people were killed this Saturday in a shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York.
According to preliminary information, a man fired a rifle at a Tops supermarket, leaving at least eight dead.
Although the authorities initially reported that the suspect had died, shortly following they reported that he is in custody. His identity is unknown.
Buffalo Police reported that the shooting took place at the Tops supermarket, located in the 1200 block of Jefferson Avenue, so residents were advised to avoid this area.
Police sources indicated that at least two rifles were recovered at the scene and the uniformed officer is investigating whether the suspect was motivated by a white supremacist ideology.
In addition, sources also pointed out that it appears that the suspect had a hate word written or engraved on one of the weapons.
Eric County Executive Mark Poloncarz issued a warning to nearby residents, urging them to avoid the area while police investigate the possible shooting.
“I have been informed of an active multiple shooting in Tops Markets on Jefferson Street in Buffalo. The police are on the scene. Please stay away from the area,” Poloncarz tweeted.
State Governor Kathy Hochul also said she is monitoring the situation. “I am closely following the shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo. We have offered assistance to local officials. If you are in Buffalo, please avoid the area and follow the instructions of law enforcement and local authorities,” she said on her Instagram account. Twitter.
Mayor Byron Brown was at the scene Saturday followingnoon and is expected to address the media.
Initial reports of a possible shooting at the store began circulating on social media around 2:30 p.m.
This is a developing story.