Press Releases

Retired Law Enforcement Officer Lt. Aaron Salter Returned Fire During 5/14 Tops Supermarket Shooting Before Being Murdered - His Heroic Actions Saved Lives

Salter’s Shots Hit the Shooter, Who Was Unharmed Due to Use of Military-Grade Body Armor - Kennedy’s Legislation Would Ban Civilian Use

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Joined by families of victims of the May 14, 2022, racially motivated mass shooting at Tops Supermarket on Jefferson Avenue, Congressman Tim Kennedy announced that he will introduce the Aaron Salter, Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act. Named in honor of the late Buffalo Police Lieutenant Aaron Salter, Jr., the legislation would prohibit the ownership or sale of enhanced military-grade body armor by civilians. Troublingly, enhanced body armor has been used in multiple mass shootings across the country, including in Buffalo. While working as an armed security guard on May 14, 2022, a domestic terrorist opened fire on innocent shoppers and Tops employees. Lt. Aaron Salter, Jr., utilized his extensive firearms and police training and immediately returned fire, hitting the attacker and buying precious seconds for others to flee. Due to Lt. Salter’s selfless heroism, lives were undoubtedly saved. Tragically, the shooter’s body armor deflected Salter’s shots, and he was killed.

Enhanced body armor, generally designed to withstand rifle ammunition, is specifically defined as armor meeting or exceeding the National Institute of Justice's RFI ballistic resistance standard. Currently, this kind of body armor is legal for civilians in most states to purchase online without federal restrictions. This legislation seeks to change this by prohibiting its sale, transfer, or possession by civilians, while exempting law enforcement and military personnel.

“Lt. Aaron Salter, Jr. was a hero in the truest sense of the word,” said Congressman Kennedy. “In the face of horror, he stood firm and saved lives in the process. If not for the shooter’s use of military-grade body armor, Salter’s actions would likely have ended the carnage much sooner. No civilian needs this type of armor, which is designed for use in warfare. Lt. Salter’s legacy lives on through the lives he saved, and we can further cement that legacy by passing this legislation. This bill will save lives - both civilians and law enforcement alike.”

"As with weapons of war, the easy availability of military-grade body armor to dangerous and hateful individuals is a grave threat to Americans everywhere,” said Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart. “Aaron Salter, Jr. is a hero who gave his life to protect innocent people, and were it not for this terrorist being equipped with body armor, both he and many of the victims would still be with us today. I stand with Congressman Kennedy in urging Congress to pass this legislation to help protect civilians and law enforcement if and when, God forbid, another mass shooting is committed."

"Lieutenant Aaron Salter, Jr. was many things: a devoted family man, a car and music enthusiast, a mentor to many, and a 30-year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department,” said Senator April N. M. Baskin. “This courageous community pillar deserves another label: hero. If not for his valiant efforts on May 14th, even more lives would have been lost on that dark day. It is fitting that Congressman Kennedy's Act pays tribute to a man who lived to protect others."

“On May 14th, 2022, a person with enhanced body armor was able to murder 10 people and wound others in the heart of Buffalo’s east side,” said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. Buffalo Police Lieutenant Aaron Salter, Jr lost his life defending our community by engaging with the shooter, despite the shooter’s high level of protection. A truly selfless act. Mr. Salter’s sacrifice will not be forgotten, and I applaud Congressmembers Tim Kennedy and Grace Meng for giving his name and legacy to the Aaron Salter, Jr Responsible Body Armor Possession Act. A sensible piece of legislation that will further protect our communities.”

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Aaron Salter, Jr. epitomizes the definition of a hero. He gave his life to his community, protecting the lives of innocent people against the unconscionable hatred that preceded the 5/14 terrorist attack. This legislation introduced by Congressman Kennedy honors Aaron’s legacy in the best way possible: by seeking to prevent such a tragedy from taking place ever again. Civilians should not have access to enhanced military-grade body armor, and the attacker’s usage of the equipment on that day allowed him to take additional lives that should still be here with us today.”

"The racially motivated mass shooting at Tops on Jefferson Avenue was one of the darkest and most horrifying days in Buffalo's history,” said Assemblymember Karen McMahon. “Amidst the tragedy and chaos, though, there were also remarkable acts of bravery and heroism. Buffalo Police Lieutenant Aaron Salter Jr. demonstrated incomparable courage when he turned to face the gunman and provided others the opportunity to escape, losing his own life in the process. Lt. Salter's sacrifice should never be forgotten, and naming this legislation in his honor will ensure that. I applaud Congressman Kennedy for introducing this legislation prohibiting the ownership and sale of military-grade body armor for civilians. We must take all possible action to ensure tragedies such as 5/14 never happen again."

“Lieutenant Aaron Salter, Jr. embodied the best of Buffalo — bravery, selflessness, and a deep commitment to protecting others,” said Erie County Legislature Chair Tim Meyers. “His heroic actions saved lives, and it’s our duty to honor that legacy with action. I fully support Congressman Kennedy’s bill to keep military-grade body armor out of the hands of those who intend to do harm. No civilian needs access to the kind of equipment that allowed a shooter to walk into a grocery store prepared for combat. If we want to protect communities, we have to be willing to make commonsense changes like this one.”

“As someone who has lived and worked in the heart of this city, I know how deeply the Tops tragedy shook our community,” said Legislator Lawrence Dupre. “Lieutenant Salter didn’t hesitate to act — he gave his life to protect others. We owe it to him and to every victim to take real steps to prevent this kind of violence from ever happening again. That means closing the loopholes that allow weapons and armor meant for the battlefield to show up in our neighborhoods. This legislation is one step forward in building a safer, more responsible future.”

“What happened on May 14 was an act of hate — but what Lieutenant Salter did in response was an act of courage,” said Legislator Taisha St. Jean-Tard. “Congressman Kennedy’s legislation is a necessary step toward making sure body armor designed for war doesn’t shield those who bring violence to our neighborhoods. We have to be honest about what makes these tragedies worse — and take the steps needed to limit the damage before it happens. I stand with the families and with this effort for justice, accountability, and change.”

In addition to Buffalo, shootings by gunmen wearing body armor have taken place in Sutherland Springs, Texas; Aurora, Colorado; Boulder, Colorado; San Bernardino, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and many other communities. This legislation was previously introduced by Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06).

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