Joined by families of victims of the May 14, 2022, racially motivated mass shooting at Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, 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 Lt. 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, Kennedy said.
Salter, a Lockport resident, was working as an armed security guard on May 14, 2022, when a domestic terrorist opened fire on innocent shoppers and Tops employees. Salter immediately returned fire, hitting the attacker and buying precious seconds for others to flee. Due to Salter’s selfless heroism, lives were undoubtedly saved. Tragically, the shooter’s body armor deflected Salter’s shots and he was killed.
“Lt. Aaron Salter, Jr. was a hero in the truest sense of the word,” Kennedy said. “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. 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.”
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.
Added Sen. April N.M. Baskin at Monday’s press conference, “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 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.”
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.”
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.