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BUFFALO, N.Y. — A gunman sporting a rifle and body armor opened fire in a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, killing at least 10 people before being taken into custody Saturday afternoon, Buffalo police and city officials said Saturday.

Officials say the suspect, an 18-year-old white male, had tactical gear on and live-streamed the shooting at the Tops Friendly Markets at around 2:30 p.m.

According to police, 13 people were shot in total, with three suffering apparent non-life-threatening injuries. Officials say four of the victims were employees. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn says 11 of the victims were African American, while two were white.

“This is the worst nightmare that any community can face,” says #Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. pic.twitter.com/o2m1Naf9e3

According to Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, four victims were shot in the store’s parking lot, with three succumbing to injuries. Gramaglia says the suspect then went inside the store, and began engaging with those inside. Among those fatally shot was a security guard, who had formally worked as Buffalo Police Officer. 

Gramaglia says police engaged the suspect in the store’s vestibule, at which point he surrendered to authorities.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says the suspect was not from the area, and traveled hours away to get to the store.

Flynn says he does not want to identify the shooter until after he is arraigned. Flynn said the arraignment is expected Saturday night on a first-degree murder charge. 

SHOOTING UPDATE: City officials say 13 people were shot at Tops on Jefferson Ave. 10 died. Three others suffered what appear to be non life threatening injuries.@SPECNews1BUF

“What started out as a beautiful day in the city of Buffalo has turned into a terrible day, and one of tremendous heartbreak for every member of our community,” Brown said. “We have suffered a mass shooting with multiple casualties and several people injured. This is the worst nightmare that any community can face.”

“…We are the City of Good Neighbors and we of course are not defined by this act, but how we will come together to support the families of those lost,” says Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. pic.twitter.com/3FRLOmYfQI — Spectrum News 1 BUF (@SPECNews1BUF) May 14, 2022

“…We are the City of Good Neighbors and we of course are not defined by this act, but how we will come together to support the families of those lost,” says Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. pic.twitter.com/3FRLOmYfQI

The supermarket is in a predominately Black neighborhood, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of downtown Buffalo. The surrounding area is primarily residential, with a Family Dollar store and fire station near the store.

Erie County DA John Flynn says he does not want to identify the shooter until after he is arraigned which he believes should be in the next hour. He says this person will be arraigned on the charge of murder in the first degree.

Braedyn Kephart and Shane Hill, both 20, pulled into the parking lot just as the shooter was exiting. They described him as a white male in his late teens or early twenties sporting full camo, a black helmet and what appeared to be a rifle.

Federal, state, local entities are investigating this as a hate crime and racially motivated violent extremism which falls under domestic terrorism.

“He was standing there with the gun to his chin. We were like what the heck is going on? Why does this kid have a gun to his face?” Kephart said. He dropped to his knees. “He ripped off his helmet, dropped his gun, and was tackled by the police.”

More than two hours of the shooting, Erica Pugh-Mathews was waiting outside the store, behind the police tape.

“We would like to know the status of my aunt, my mother’s sister. She was in there with her fiance, they separated and went to different aisles,” she said. “A bullet barely missed him. He was able to hide in a freezer but he was not able to get to my aunt and does not know where she is. We just would like word either way if she’s OK.”

I am closely monitoring the shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo. We have offered assistance to local officials. If you are in Buffalo, please avoid the area and follow guidance from law enforcement and local officials.

Officials say federal, state and local entities are investigating the incident as a hate crime and racially motivated violent extremism, which falls under domestic terrorism.

“The President has been briefed by his Homeland Security Advisor on the horrific shooting in Buffalo, NY this afternoon," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. "He will continue to receive updates throughout the evening and tomorrow as further information develops. The President and the First Lady are praying for those who have been lost and for their loved ones.”

Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the shooting, Justice Department spokesperson Anthony Coley said.

The shooting came little more than a year after a March 2021 attack at a King Soopers grocery in Boulder, Colorado, that killed 10 people. Investigators have not released any information about why they believe the man charged in that attack targeted the supermarket.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.