Man charged after allegedly threatening to kill black shoppers at Buffalo grocery store Tops

Joey David George, who is a 37-year-old citizen from Lynnwood Washington, is facing federal charges after phoning the Tops store on Elmwood Avenue and reportedly threatening to shoot black customers.

United States Attorney Western District of Washington’s office stated in their report that George called Tops on both July 19th and July 20th making these threats.

Police have said that George shouted and ranted about a “race war,” in one of his phone calls. George stayed on the phone long enough for the police to make a trace.

The criminal complaint also stated that that George informed a Tops worker in a call that believed he would “make the news if he shot and killed all of the Black people” in the store, “including all of the women, children, and babies,” per CNN. The complaint went onto say that George hinted he may be somewhere near the store, or even in the store itself. The complaint added that George informed staff he owned an assortment of weapons.

On Thursday the U.S. District Court in Seattle charged George with making interstate threats. George is currently being held in custody without bail in SeaTac Washington.

US Attorney Nick Brown hit out at the crime in a Friday news release, which he said creates fear and panic within the community. “The Buffalo community is trying to heal from the horrific shooting at a Tops grocery store. I cannot imagine the type of fear such hate-fueled threats engendered in those just trying to go about their daily lives. We cannot tolerate this kind of hate in our community and will not sit by while people seek to terrorize others across our country,” Brown said.

Tops Supermarket released a statement expressing their gratitude for a quick resolution to the case. “We appreciate the swift actions of local, state, and National Authorities,” the supermarket’s short statement said.