BUFFALO, N.Y. May 15, 2022 — New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta, Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore and Buffalo Educational Support Team President Jo Ann Sweat issued the following statement today regarding Saturday’s Buffalo supermarket shooting:
“Like everyone in New York, we are shocked and horrified by this senseless, repugnant act of violence against one of our communities. This brutal act and the racial hatred that motivated it are incomprehensible, yet all too familiar in our society. Our communities must have the resources and support needed to ensure those who might commit acts of violence are identified and intervention takes place before tragedy occurs. That must happen immediately — not tomorrow, not next week, but today.
“Educators across Western New York and the state stand in support of our children, our colleagues and our families impacted by this tragedy. We mourn those we’ve lost to this vicious and hateful act. Let us come together to remember their lives and pray for their families.”
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.