Retired Buffalo police officer who confronted supermarket gunman hailed as 'true hero'

A retired police officer is being praised for the valiant actions he took to protect others when a gunman opened fire on a supermarket, killing 10 people.

A retired police officer is being praised for the valiant actions he took to protect others when a gunman opened fire on a supermarket, killing 10 people in an alleged hate crime.

Aaron Salter was working as a security guard for the Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York, when a gunman shot four people in the parking lot, according to the Buffalo Police Department.

Once the shooter, outfitted in military fatigues, body armor and a tactical helmet, proceeded inside the store, Salter confronted him, shooting and striking the man, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph A. Gramaglia told ABC News Sunday.

But those bullets had no effect due to body armor the suspect wore, and the gunman returned fire, striking Salter, Gramaglia said.