The Buffalo shooting suspect accused of killing ten people and injuring three others on Saturday was previously investigated for threatening to carry out a school shooting.
In June of last year, Broome County police were contacted by local high school officials over threats made by 18-year-old Payton Gendron.
“A school official reported that this very troubled young man had made statements indicating that he wanted to do a shooting, either at a graduation ceremony or sometime after,” a government official told Buffalo News.
After the threats were reported, state police investigated Gendron. He was referred for a mental health evaluation and counseling under a section of state mental health laws.
Police say Gendron drove several hours from his home in Conklin to the Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo. Wearing tactical gear, he began his shooting spree in the parking lot before moving inside the store. Gendron was taken into custody by Buffalo police.
Gendron allegedly shot 13 people, including 11 Black victims. Ten were killed, and three suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
