To honor the lives of those killed in the deadly May 14 mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Markets store in Buffalo, N.Y., the Williamsville, N.Y.-based company is encouraging people to join its store employees in a collective moment of tribute and reflection at 2:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, May 21.
“The impact of this tragedy stretches across our community and nation. We stand together as we remember them and pray that their families may find the strength needed to heal and move forward,” Tops President John Persons said in a news release.
Communities across the country are encouraged to share their thoughts and support using #BuffaloStandsTogether to honor the 10 victims killed and three injured in the shooting.
Tops Markets operates 150 grocery stores in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including five that are run by franchisees.
“Everyone involved deserves our thanks and our prayers,” Persons said. “To our Tops associates who did everything in their power to selflessly protect each other and our customers [and] to law enforcement and our first responders, we thank you for your service and bravery.
Persons also called out the strength of the community leaders and thanked neighbors and many others who have rallied together to provide respite and support.
Tops Markets is honoring the 10 people who were killed and the three people who were injured, all residents of New York.
Those who died:
- Roberta A. Drury, 32, of Buffalo;
- Margus D. Morrison, 52, of Buffalo;
- Andre Mackneil, 53, of Auburn;
- Aaron Salter, 55, of Lockport;
- Geraldine Talley, 62, of Buffalo;
- Celestine Chaney, 65, of Buffalo;
- Heyward Patterson, 67, of Buffalo;
- Katherine Massey, 72, of Buffalo;
- Pearl Young, 77, of Buffalo; and
- Ruth Whitfield, 86, of Buffalo.
Those who were injured:
- Zaire Goodman, 20, of Buffalo;
- Jennifer Warrington, 50, of Tonawanda; and
- Christopher Braden, 55, of Lackawanna.
Related news:
