#AntiBlackRacism is alive and well in Canada': Canadians angered by notion that Buffalo shooting couldn't happen here
Following the deadly shooting in Buffalo, New York, which left 10 dead and three injured, people, including Canadians, have commented on the hate crime.
On Saturday, 18-year-old Payton Gendron opened fire at Tops Friendly Market. He livestreamed the shooting on Twitch before the streamed was cut off, "less than two minutes after the violence started," the platform stated.
Authorities have said that a 180-page manifesto, attributed to Gendron, details his plans for the racist massacre.
"Jill and I pray for the victims, their families and devastated community from yesterday’s mass shooting in Buffalo, New York," a statement from U.S. President Joe Biden reads. "Our hearts are heavy once again but our resolve must not waver; we must work together to address the hate that remains a stain on the soul of this nation."
Several individuals took to social media to respond to Saturdays attack.
Pearly Young, 77, was killed today in #Buffalo shopping for groceries.
For 25 years she ran a pantry where every Saturday she fed people in Central Park. Every. Saturday.
She loved singing, dancing, & being with family.
She was mother, grandma, & missionary. Gone too soon 🕊 pic.twitter.com/dQ5X9KBJCQ— Madison Carter (@madisonlcarter) May 15, 2022
Today, people buying groceries in a predominantly Black #Buffalo community were shot by a White man who believes the hate-filled propaganda that there’s a movement to replace White people.
White Supremacist Ideology + Hate + Irresponsible Fear Mongering + Guns = 10 people dead.— Be A King (@BerniceKing) May 14, 2022
Freedom isn’t owning 25 rifles, it’s going to the grocery store and not having to worry about being killed by one.
— Kevin ☕️🎶 (@KevinSixx13) May 14, 2022
Canadians have also responded to Saturday's attack in Buffalo.
"Canadians across the country are grieving with the people of Buffalo today, following the horrific act of hatred that claimed the lives of several innocent people," a statement from Prime Minster Justin Trudeau reads. "To everyone affected, we’re keeping you in our thoughts during this difficult time."
Reading the news today, I'm feeling very fortunate to live in Canada - a diverse and tolerant country that values freedom while respecting human rights. We aren't perfect and building our country is an ongoing project but I wouldn't choose anywhere else. ❤️🇨🇦
— Catherine McKenna (@cathmckenna) May 15, 2022
Several Canadians also called out comments that suggest hate-motivated attacks like this don't happen in Canada.
There is a lot of racism and antisemitism in Canada. It is not the experience of most Black, Asian, Jewish, Indigenous, and other people who face discrimination daily that Canada is a tolerant society. And there are politicians (particularly PPC) who condone hate in many forms.
— Nili Kaplan-Myrth MD PhD (@nilikm) May 15, 2022
For the record, it is unacceptable to respond to the racist killing of Black people by an 18yo white supremacist by saying, "I'm lucky to live in Canada where there's diversity". NO, there is so much racism in Canada. You don't see/believe it because you're a part of the problem.
— Birgit Uwaila Umaigba (@birgitomo) May 15, 2022
As we process the events of the #BuffaloMassacre, lets be clear;#AntiBlackRacism is alive and well in Canada
There’s no Canadian exceptionalism
A commitment to anti-racism is never-ending;
To identifying, name & eliminate #racism in society & its institutions#Buffalo #BLM pic.twitter.com/8WFo89BePr— Bolu Ogunyemi MD, ICD.D (He / Him) 🇳🇬🇨🇦 (@OgunyemiMD) May 16, 2022
Every single time something horrific happens in the US, the Canadian exceptionalism narrative emerges. Not only is it fiercely inaccurate, but it invalidates the experiences of millions of people here and stagnates ongoing calls for change.
— Amanda Bartley (@bartleyamandaj) May 15, 2022
Just to be clear, the Buffalo shooter copied the New Zealand shooter who copied the Quebec mosque shooter.
Wake up.— Dr. Rima Berns-McGown (@beyrima) May 16, 2022
