DOJ Seeks Death Penalty in Case Against 2022 Buffalo Mass Shooter

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking the death penalty against Payton Gendron, the 2022 Buffalo supermarket mass shooter.

The Details: This marks the first time the DOJ under President Biden has authorized a new attempt at capital punishment. The state of New York does not have the death penalty; however, the DOJ can seek the penalty due to a separate federal hate crimes case against Gendron.

For Context: Gendron, who was 18 at the time, killed 10 black Americans in what was deemed a racially motivated hate crime after authorities found a 180-page document in which he described himself as a white supremacist. He is currently serving a life sentence without parole after pleading guilty in 2022.

Key Quotes: New York’s Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “This complies with the DOJ requirements for what constitutes a death penalty offense.” Erie County Judge Susan Eagan, who is overseeing the case, said to Gendron at the sentencing, “There is no place for you or your ignorant, hateful, and evil ideologies in a civilized society.”

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum highlighted New York’s absence of the death penalty. Fox News (Right bias) did not mention that Gendron was white but did describe the crime as “hate-motivated” and that all victims were black. Fox also included a statement of regret from Gendron. The New York Daily News (Left bias) reported that the victims' families had mixed reactions to the news that the death penalty would be sought.