‘We are Buffalo strong’: Community pours out support after fatal clinic shooting

Crystal Bui

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It’s been less than a week since a shooter killed one and wounded four others at an Allina Health clinic in Buffalo, Minnesota.

On Saturday, community members supported each other during the annual Kites on Ice Festival.

"I was shook,” said Isabella Vega, a Buffalo High School graduate.

Vega says she had barely left the gym in Buffalo when she realized there was a shooter inside the health clinic nearby.

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“Then I looked at my phone on Facebook and I saw that was what happened. I was heartbroken. It was very sad and devastating,” she said. “We’re going to come out strong and that’s what we have been doing.”

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Many in this community were touched by the tragedy.

“That is the clinic that I go to, as a patient. So it was very surreal to see that on TV and to know that that’s where I go to and I’m taken care of and so many community members taken care of there,” said Ali Tokkesdale, a Buffalo High School graduate. “I started crying, tearing up a bit. My dad immediately called just to let me know he was safe here.”

Many were moved by how quickly people mobilized to help.

“It is really heartwarming and we are really happy to see our community come together and be really united in the wake of the tragedy that happened this past Tuesday,” Tokkesdale said.

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“I’m born and raised here, and I’ve never been more proud of our community — how quickly the response was," Buffalo Chamber of Commerce President Sue Olmscheid said. "Everything from providing meals to providing daycare, to having a website site up the same day, to start collecting all the information and all the resources."

Buffalo Mayor Teri Lachermeier says she is proud of how so many have stepped up following the deadly event.

"Well, this is exactly what we needed today. We needed our community to come together, be in a place where we know this is who we are: We are Buffalo strong,” Lachermeier said.