‘Buffalo Strong’: Community honors victims killed, injured in clinic shooting

State memorials are lit purple in solidarity with the Buffalo community.

Tuesday marks one week since a gunman walked into the local Allina Health Clinic and opened fire on employees.

Within hours of ordering purple t-shirts, the color of the Buffalo community, Jolene and Jason Sorenson, the owners of J and J Athletics, realized the demand was quickly growing.

"Like everybody else, we were so affected by this but we didn’t know what the community needed or wanted," Jolene said.

Their machines are working overtime printing ‘Buffalo Strong’ t-shirts and face masks, with half the proceeds going to the Allina Health Clinic shooting victims.

"We have over probably $29,000 in sales and every time we look it just keeps going up and everybody is able to give a little bit back and that makes them feel better," she said. " And that helps the healing process as well."

At Integriprint, the printers are turning out yard signs that also have the Buffalo Strong emblem.

The only time IntegriPrint had downtime was while it waited for more supplies.

"The response from people when they come in is ‘Thank you for doing this, let’s stay strong together, we know we can get through this,’" said Chelsie Schmid, IntegriPrint production manager.

At 11a.m. Tuesday, a moment of silence was held for the victims and employees who were inside the clinic. Outside a Buffalo police officer stopped to pause an reflect.

An area resident stopped to drop off purple flowers and a teddy bear.
"I just want everyone to know that we’re thinking of them," Sabrina Wilcox said.

‘Buffalo Strong’: Community honors victims killed, injured in clinic shooting

Buffalo Strong is a movement that has stunned the mayor.

"Complete outpouring immediately from the community, whether it be meals, housekeeping, if they need daycare for these victims and their families, what can we do?," Mayor Teri Lachermeier said.

The community is also receiving support from around the state.

"I think the smaller the community, the bigger the hug," she adds.

Local retailers have sold out of the purple lights that shine brightly all around this town in honor of the victims.

And at the Buffalo High School boys basketball game in Edina Tuesday night, Edina will wear their white away jersey’s, allowing Buffalo to wear their home colors. The players will warm up wearing some of the Buffalo Strong t-shirts.