Statement from Contra Costa D.A. Diana Becton on mass shooting in Buffalo, New York:

May 16, 2022 — On Saturday, May 14, a shooter seeking to target a Black neighborhood killed 10 people and wounded three in Buffalo, New York. I mourn the lives taken by this devastating and racially motivated attack, and I am so sorry for the families and communities who have lost their loved ones. 

I unequivocally condemn anyone who overtly or implicitly stokes racial hatred for political gain, which historically has led to violence against Black communities and communities of color. 

We all lose when so-called leaders engage in dog whistle racism to win elections or gain power. The shooter’s manifesto makes it clear that yesterday’s mass shooting was the result of racism that has seen an overt resurgence over the last six years. As one example, also on Saturday, right here in Contra Costa County, we saw a white pride “rally” in Danville. 

All of us across Contra Costa County and this country must send a clear message that we will rise above the politics of exclusion and division, and that we will not allow racism and bias to stand.