BUFFALO, N.Y. — Monday marks six months since the devastating mass shooting in Buffalo, which tragically claimed the lives of 10 innocent people and injured three others. On May 14, a gunman, from outside the area, traveled to East Buffalo and opened fire at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue.
As the somber date comes, the city plans to honor and pay tribute to those who were killed.
"Today, I’m thinking about the precious members of the Buffalo community whose lives were cut short six months ago," Mayor Byron Brown said. "These individuals had so much life ahead of them and today my wife, Michele, and I continue to hold their loved ones in our hearts. Coming together on the six-month anniversary of this horrific shooting will be difficult, particularly with the holiday season upon us, but it’s important. Let’s continue to show the world that, in Buffalo, we find strength and peace when we stand united and support one another through acts of love and kindness."
Starting right after midnight on Monday and until dawn on Tuesday, the top of city hall will be lit orange, the color of gun violence prevention.
Brown is asking that other mayors in the country to do the same.
City flags will be flown at half-staff on Monday and city employees and residents are encouraged to wear orange and pause for a moment of silence at 2:30 p.m.
Finally, the city is asking that all houses of worship and faith communities to toll their bells 13 times at 2:30 p.m. in honor of the 10 who died and the three who were injured in the shooting.