The Facts
On Monday, Payton Gendron pleaded guilty to all charges filed in a grand jury indictment against him. Gendron, a white man, is accused of opening fire at a grocery store in a predominately Black neighborhood, killing 10 people and injuring three others in May.
Gendron was indicted on 25 counts, including murder, and one count of domestic terrorism motivated by hate, which carries a penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. He will also face federal hate crime charges led by the US Dept. of Justice.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Congress needs to step up for the American people and enact legislation that will strengthen efforts to stop domestic terrorism. It starts by expanding gun background checks and passing common-sense gun reforms to prevent tragedies like the Buffalo shooting from happening elsewhere.
Republican narrative
This is no time to be talking about gun control or anything political. This is a time to allow the families to heal and for the shooter to be brought to justice. Democrats should speak out against all acts of deadly violence — including the Waukesha tragedy that saw Darrell Brooks kill six people with a car. No form of gun control could stop an act of crime like that.
Narrative C
Irresponsible social media platforms allowed radicalizing videos to be viewed and permitted like-minded individuals to communicate. In addition, those who sold and manufactured his weapon and body armor should be punished. The circle of responsibility should be extended to all stakeholders.
