Retired Officer Aaron Salter Jr. Identified As Security Guard Killed While Firing Back At Buffalo Mass Shooter

Heroic Ex-Cop Aaron Salter Jr. Identified As Security Guard Killed While Firing Back At Buffalo Mass Shooter

On Saturday (May 14), there was a mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New York. The mass shooter was identified as 18-year-old Payton Gendron, who initially made headlines as “a self-proclaimed white supremacist who live streamed his attack.”

Now, another man is being identified from the shooting, and his name is Aaron Salter Jr, a heroic security guard who was killed after firing back at Gendron.

Aaron Salter Jr. was a heroic ex-cop who served as a security guard at the supermarket. Salter is said to ma been killed while trying to protect patrons and bystanders, exchanging bullets and firing back at the mass shooter.

 

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Aaron Salter Jr. served as a Buffalo police officer for 30 years, joining the BPD right out of high school.

On Saturday afternoon, a gunman, later identified as Payton Gendron, walked into the Tops Market — which was situated in a predominantly Black neighborhood — wielding a military style assault rifle in his hands. With hate in his heart, Gendron began to open fire, targeting several Black patrons.

Weaponizing the experience he had on the force, Salter Jr. withdrew his own firearm and attempted to take down the gunman. However, Gendron was wearing body armor and Salter Jr.’s bullets never made full contact with Gendron.

Tragically, Gendron returned fire and killed Salter Jr., whose family calls him an undeniable “hero” on a horrific day. Salter Jr.’s son, Aaron Salter III, says everyone was shocked, but he’s “pretty sure he saved some lives today. He’s a hero.” At home, Salter Jr. leaves behind three children.