BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The white gunman who killed 10 Black people in a racist attack at a Buffalo supermarket was charged Wednesday with federal hate crimes and could face the death penalty if convicted. The criminal complaint filed Wednesday against Payton Gendron coincided with a visit to Buffalo by Attorney General Merrick Garland. But the memo does not prohibit federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty, a decision that ultimately will fall to Garland. Federal executions have been halted as the Justice Department conducts a review of its policies and procedures for capital punishment. President Joe Biden has said he opposes the death penalty and his team vowed that he would take action to stop its use while in office.

Source: The Nation June 15, 2022 17:46 UTC