Support is pouring in for the families of the 10 victims of the racist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York that took place over the weekend at a local grocery store. Fundraisers are filling up with financial support and resources for the families and surrounding community impacted by the targeted violence.
In addition, the family of Ruth Whitfield, one of the 10 victims killed at the Tops Friendly Market on Saturday (May 14), has reportedly retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
According to reports, Crump is seeking to represent as many of the families as possible in the pursuit of potential legal action against the gun manufacturer who made the weapons used by Payton Gendron, the self-proclaimed white supremacist who planned the attack for months, police revealed.
Disturbing photos of the AR-15 rifle showed writings Gendron made on the weapon, including inscribing the name of Dylan Roof –– the white supremacist who opened fire on churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015, killing nine people. Other markings include phrases like "white lives matter" and "here's your reparations!" among others.
Sources told TMZ the lawsuit may be parallel to the case filed following the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, where families sued and won a $73 million settlement against gun manufacturer Remington.
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. These additional resources are also available:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264
The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001
For more mental health resources, click HERE.
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