On Tuesday, Broome County District Attorney Michael A. Korchak formally addressed the Buffalo shooting.

In a written statement, Korchak said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Buffalo and the families of the victims of the senseless mass shooting on Saturday. I have reached out to Erie County District Attorney John Flynn to offer the assistance of the Broome County District Attorney's Office, in any way needed, to help with this criminal prosecution. I am limited by law as to what information I may discuss. However, due to the abundance of false information in the media, I feel the need to set the record straight."

He continued with: "The subject of the investigation was a student at Susquehanna Valley High School and graduated in late June of 2021. In early June, in an online class, he made disturbing comments regarding murder/suicide. The school followed protocol and contacted the New York State Police. Based on information currently in my possession, no direct threat was made to the school or any student. There was no mention of firearms. The New York State Police responded to the subject’s residence and transported him to a local hospital for evaluation. The subject was evaluated and released. He subsequently returned to school, and even participated in his graduation without incident. From the information provided to this office, the Susquehanna Valley Central School District and the New York State Police followed the procedures and protocols that were in place at that time. I am certain that members of the New York State legislature will review the facts and circumstances of this case and propose appropriate changes as necessary, regarding mental health and background checks when purchasing firearms."

 

18-year-old Payton Gendron, who has been arrested as the suspected shooter, is a resident on Amber Hill Drive in Conklin, Broome County. Police say Gendron is responsible for the deadliest shooting in Buffalo's history, shooting 13 people and killing 10; with eleven of the victims being black. The massacre was labeled a hate crime by Buffalo police, upon discovering a lengthy 180 page manifesto, admitted by Gendron to be authored by himself.  That manifesto featured messages of anti-Semitism, racism, and values consistent with white supremacy, like that of the "Great Replacement" theory, an idea that fueled the 18-year-old's rampage in downtown Buffalo.

Gendron just four months ago, was an employee at the local "Reliable Market", where the owner said, he was extremely quiet, and only worked there for a few months. He was also enrolled at courses at SUNY Broome until as recent as late March, a spokesperson from the university stated.
 

Susquehanna Valley high school, where Gendron graduated a year ago, and made alleged threats of violence at graduation, had a delayed opening on Monday, trying to help students cope with the horrific news about one of their former classmates.

Gendron has been charged with murder.