Tops Reopens In East Buffalo!

Tops reopens despite calls to demolish or move to another location.

Folks will have a grocer in East Buffalo, New York.

The Tops Friendly Market reopens months after a white extremist opened fire on shoppers, killing 10.

He is currently in custody and on suicide watch. He is also facing a federal sandwich because his motivation was hate of Blacks and perception of white replacement theory. He traveled over 300 miles to target Black majority neighborhoods. Had He gotten away, he was motivated to travel to Rochester, Cleveland and majority Black cities to cause more havoc. If convicted, he could get LIFE in the iron college. If convicted of federal charges, he could get DEATH.

The opening had a mixed reaction. Some say its too soon. Others want to have Tops keep a commitment to eliminating the food deserts in Buffalo.

Community members, local politicians and company leaders spoke at an hour-long ceremony held outside of the supermarket Thursday intended to "honor and respect all victims and impacted associates and community members," store officials said. 

Following the shooting, Tops Friendly Markets announced it would remain closed "until further notice."

Store officials at the time said they were "unable to speak to a timeline for reopening" due to the store being "an active law enforcement investigation site," but noted that they were "committed to reopening up this community store."

"When the time is right for all of us, we will reopen our doors on Jefferson Avenue. Until then, we remain here with you and for you in every way we possibly can," store officials said May 18.

 The supermarket has been fully renovated since the deadly attack and has added new security measures, such as enhanced video monitoring systems, an emergency evacuation alarm system, and additional emergency exits, Tops said in a news release. 

Persons said the store location on Jefferson Avenue has had its products and equipment emptied and restocked since the shooting, according to WKBW.

He said employees who no longer feel comfortable returning to the location will have other stores to work at if they choose, WKBW reported.