On Wednesday February 15th, a somber atmosphere filled the Erie County courtroom as the families of ten victims of the Tops shooting experienced a harrowing reality. The man who gun downed their loved ones, Payton Gendron, was being sentenced and their voices would not be silenced. Gendron was found guilty of domestic terrorism motivated by hate and 10 counts of first-degree murder due to his rampage at Tops Supermarkets on Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo on May 14th.

The families filled the court with emotion as they took time to share stories of their precious lost ones. Deja Brown, daughter of Andre Mackniel, declared "I'll never forget him", while Kimberly Salter, wife of Aaron Salter, highlighted the color of red and black, the colors that symbolize bloodshed and still mourning, respectively. Ruth Whitfield's grand daughter, Simone Crawley, further moved the room with her words "