BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo mass shooter Payton Gendron, 19, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Wednesday on state charges. Now he faces federal charges and the possibility of the death penalty.

In federal court Thursday, the defendant was transferred from state custody to federal custody temporarily for the duration of the proceedings. If the prosecution seeks the death penalty, which is a decision involving the U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, the case will go to trial.

Some families say despite how painful it would be to see the discovery and relive the trauma of that day, it could be worth it for the sake of ending white supremacy.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,” said Zeneta Everhart, mother of survivor Zaire Goodman. “I don’t believe in the death penalty. That’s just who I am generally. But I believe a trial will put domestic terrorism on trial."

The next status hearing is set for March 10, where the defense and prosecution are expected to set a scheduling order. If the death penalty is sought, a trial must begin within 120 days from that date.