Buffalo shooting suspect indicted for 27 hate crimes

Tops Friendly Market reopens two months after massacre allegedly prompted by racism

Attorney Benjamin Crump, accompanied by the family of Ruth Whitfield, a victim of shooting at a supermarket, speaks to the media during a news conference in Buffalo, New York. AP

Vintage Firearms, the gun shop where Buffalo supermarket shooting suspect Payton Gendron legally purchased his weapon, in Endicott, New York. Reuters

Vintage Firearms in Endicott, New York. Reuters

A member of the FBI looks at bullet holes through the glass at the scene of a shooting at a TOPS supermarket in Buffalo, New York. Reuters

People embrace near the scene of the fatal mass shooting in Buffalo. AP

Police officers secure the scene after a shooting at TOPS supermarket in Buffalo. Reuters

Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia speaks at a press conference after the shooting. AP

A woman is in shock, as police investigate the shooting. AP

A man is detained after the mass shooting. Photo: BigDawg/ via Reuters

Two people hug near the scene of the mass shooting. EPA

Payton Gendron, 18, was arraigned on first-degree murder charges and detained without bail. AP

A floral tribute and candles are laid. AP

Stephanie Morris is overcome with emotions, after news of the fatal shooting had spread. AP

Children walk hand-in-hand near the scene of the shooting. AP

People pay their respects outside the supermarket. AP

Mourners gather for a vigil for victims of the shooting. Reuters

Sharon Doyle gathers with others outside the supermarket. AP

Worshippers affected by the shooting pray at True Bethel Baptist Church in Buffalo. AP

People march to the scene of the shooting in Buffalo. AP

A person holds a flower as a group prays near the scene of the shooting. AP

The suspect accused of fatally shooting 10 black people in a racism-inspired attack at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, was charged with 27 federal hate crimes, the US Justice Department announced.

Authorities said the suspect, who livestreamed the massacre, is an alleged white supremacist who targeted the shop because it was patronised mainly by black people. Authorities said the man travelled more than three hours from his home in Conklin, New York to carry out the attack.

“The Justice Department fully recognises the threat that white supremacist violence poses to the safety of the American people and American democracy,” US Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

Tops Friendly Market reopened on Friday, two months after the shooting, as residents grapple with the timing of the reopening.

“We’re pretty much shopping on people’s blood,” Count Horne, an activist and retired Buffalo police officer, told the Associated Press.

“I think that this is more about putting people to work rather than letting them heal. Just two months ago, these people were running for their lives.”

If convicted, Payton Gendron could face life in prison or the death penalty. Prosecutors must inform the court prior to trial if they are seeking a death sentence.

The suspect, who was 18 years old on the day of the shooting, already faces 10 counts of first-degree murder and 10 counts of second-degree murder.

He pleaded not guilty in parallel state and federal cases.

Tops president John Persons said that the management team was confident that the store, which is a hub of activity in the neighbourhood, was needed by area residents.

“I’ll be honest, those are the people that we really wanted to listen to, the people that were in the neighbourhood, the people that were in the Jefferson Avenue neighbourhood and the immediate community to find out what their thoughts were,” Mr Persons said.

Mr Persons said everything "from the floor to the ceiling" has been renovated.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the supermarket's reopening was a step forward in the community's healing process.

"It is important to move forward as a united and strong community. We will not let hate win," he said.

Tops said it is working with community leaders to create a permanent memorial outside the store.

The Associated Press contributed to this report