Marking Solemn Anniversary of Buffalo Mass Shooting

Floor Speech

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Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, as we mark the second anniversary of the tragic events that unfolded on May 14, 2022, at the Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York, it is a solemn reminder of the devastating impact of hate-fueled violence. This is not just an attack on innocent individuals but an assault on the very fabric of the Buffalo community.

A self-professed white supremacist targeted the Tops supermarket and drove more than 200 miles to get there because of its location in a predominantly Black community. His actions took 10 precious lives. They were sons, daughters, parents, and friends whose absences continue to be felt deeply.

The pain New Yorkers feel is known all too well by us down in South Carolina. In 2015, a white supremacist walked into the Mother Emanuel, the oldest African-American Methodist church in the South.

Dylann Roof targeted that church because of its historical significance. He worshipped with them. He prayed with them. He was welcomed into their Bible study with open arms. He repaid that kindness by opening fire on the innocent group of worshippers, killing nine.

These horrific acts must serve as a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of online radicalization, racism, and the all too easy access to weapons of war.

The Buffalo shooter's online writings praised Roof's actions. Although he obtained his weapon legally, the shooter made illegal modifications to make it much more deadly.

In the case of Mother Emanuel AME Church, a simple background check could have helped to prevent the tragedy. Roof never should have been allowed to buy a gun, but a deadly loophole in our Federal laws allowed him to do just that. If the required background checks process takes more than 3 business days, the Charleston loophole allows firearms to be transferred to buyers before the process is complete. That is how Roof was able to get a gun.

I have introduced legislation to close the Charleston loophole, which the gentleman from New York has joined as a cosponsor. I thank him for that. That only solves one piece of the puzzle.

Our communities have emerged from these tragedies stronger than ever, but white supremacy is the scourge on our society that we must confront head-on. We must join together to push back against the harmful ideologies that tear us apart.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Kennedy for his leadership.

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