The residents of Buffalo are still reeling after the targeted attack on Black New Yorkers at a grocery store in the city on Saturday.

Darius Pridgen, the president of the Buffalo Common Council and senior pastor at True Bethel Baptist Church, told Capital Tonight that he is calling for unity in the wake of the attack, saying “let’s not tear apart our own community because of the actions of a murderous, evil person.”

The shooting which left 10 people dead at the Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue has shaken the community, some of which attend Pridgen’s church. One of the church-goers that survived the shooting recounted her repeated attempts to call 911 from inside the store while keeping her voice low enough to stay safe. Pridgen’s church will play a role in the funerals of some of the victims of Saturday’s shooting.

Pridgen said there has been an “incredible” showing of support for the community in the ensuing days with businesses and community members distributing food in the area which is considered a food desert. Pridgen argues that unity is needed in this time or the gunman “accomplishes his goal” of separating the community.