At the trial, several of the relatives of the victims showed their anger, and one of them tried to attack the convicted murderer. The relative was arrested, but later released.
The man, who was 18 when he committed the crime, has previously pleaded guilty to, among other things, racially motivated acts of terrorism. The confession automatically means a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of release.
The perpetrator had traveled over 30 miles to get to the city of Buffalo and carry out the act which he attempted to broadcast live via social media. The attack was planned and the man wore camouflage clothing and body armor.
Arriving in Buffalo, he began shooting in a parking lot outside a popular grocery store as soon as he stepped out of his vehicle.
All ten victims were black.
“There is no forgiveness for you, no understanding, no second chance,” said Judge Susan Eagan as she announced the sentence.
New York State does not have the death penalty. Separate charges are pending in federal court where a death sentence is possible. But prosecutors likely won’t seek the death penalty if the young man pleads guilty.