'THERE IS NO PLACE FOR HATE AND RACISM IN OUR SOCIETIES'

RESIDENTS 'SHOCKED AND HORRIFIED' BY BUFFALO MASS SHOOTING: REDEKOP

Fort Erie is standing with residents of Buffalo who are in shock over a mass shooting at a supermarket this past weekend, said Mayor Wayne Redekop.

"The residents of Fort Erie are shocked and horrified at the senseless shooting of innocent people in Buffalo," said in a statement about the shooting, which claimed the lives of 10 people on Saturday. "The knowledge that the shooter was racially motivated is extremely troubling. There is no place for hate and racism in our societies."

Police arrested an 18-year-old white man in relation to the May 14 shooting at a Tops Friendly Markets in a largely African American area of Buffalo. Eleven of the 13 victims, including three people who were injured in the incident, were Black.

Police have said the attack was racially motivated and have characterized it as a hate crime.

Redekop noted the close ties between the town and the city located across the Peace Bridge and said that everyone needs to speak out against ideologies that promote hate, racism and discrimination.

"There are close family ties between our two communities, as well as deep friendships among our residents and those of Buffalo," Redekop said in his statement. "In many respects, we are one community, connected by our history, geography and culture. This type of incident has an impact on all of us on both sides of the border."

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said the city stands in solidarity with Buffalo in the wake of the tragedy.

"I often say Niagara Falls is one city divided by a border and that makes Buffalo our neighbour," he said in an email to The Post. "Neighbours stand together and we all stand together in the face of hate."

He has spoken to Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Congressional representative Brian Higgins about ways to honour the victims and show support for the city.

"We offer our condolences and sincere sympathy for all of the victims involved in this terrible violent act. We condemn all acts of violence," Diodati said. "We immediately lowered our flags to half-staff at city hall, and the falls will be illuminated to honour the victims, their families and all those affected by these senseless acts. We are waiting on confirmation of a fitting colour from Mayor Byron Brown"

It wasn't just politicians speaking out about the tragedy. Fort Erie resident Dan Harkins remarked on the strong connection between Fort Erie and Buffalo.

"We all have some connection," Harkins said in a post on Facebook. "Friends, family, work, or just it's one of your favourite places to spend a day shopping, eating, or watching a game or concert. So many memories. Buffalo will bounce back, but now it's hurting."

Mike Sansano, meanwhile, said the shooting hits close to home, having lived on both sides of the Peace Bridge.

"As someone who loves the city and its people, I am devastated for the people personally affected by this tragedy, for the city of Buffalo and for its African American population," Sansano said. "This was an absolute horrific day in Buffalo's history. I have friends in that area and I cannot fathom what they are going through."

The District School Board of Niagara also issued a statement and said that its equity, inclusion and anti-racism team and the mental health and well-being team would be providing resources to support staff, students and families in the community and the classroom.

"Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the grieving families, the people of Buffalo, the Black community, and those who are feeling impacted by this horrific event," the board said in a statement posted online.