In this article, we delve deep into the controversial figure Payton Gendron. From his early life, background, net worth, and Reddit connections, to the people in his family such as his father, his mother, and more. This piece aims to give a full perspective of who is Payton Gendron, including his current life, legal issues, and public reception.
Whether you are researching for academic purposes, news interest, or general curiosity, this complete guide covers all the crucial aspects.
Quick Bio: Payton Gendron
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Payton S. Gendron |
| Date of Birth | June 20, 2003 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 21 Years Old |
| Place of Birth | Conklin, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Known For | 2022 Buffalo mass shooting |
| Net Worth | Estimated $0 (no reported wealth) |
| Parents | Paul Gendron (father), Pamela Gendron (mother) |
| Education | Conklin High School, brief college enrollment |
| Children | None |
| Current Status | Incarcerated for life (Federal charges) |
Early Life and Background
Payton S. Gendron was born on June 20, 2003, in Conklin, a small town in Broome County, New York. He grew up in a seemingly average suburban environment with access to modern education and internet culture. His early childhood did not show outward signs of the violent path he would later take. Neighbors and former classmates have described him as quiet and introverted, sometimes even socially awkward.
Raised in a middle-class family, he was the eldest of three children. His parents worked stable government jobs, which placed the family in a financially comfortable position. Yet, despite a stable environment, disturbing indicators began to show during his teenage years.
From an early age, Gendron reportedly showed signs of mental health issues. Teachers had flagged his behavior during high school after he submitted a school project that involved violence and murder. Though the incident resulted in a psychological evaluation, no serious legal action was taken at the time.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Payton Gendron is 21 years old. His physical appearance at the time of his arrest was widely circulated through media outlets and official reports.
- Height: Approximately 6 feet
- Weight: Around 180 pounds
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Brown
- Build: Average
Photographs released during his arrest and courtroom appearances show him as a young Caucasian male with no distinguishing features like tattoos or piercings.
Education
Gendron attended Susquehanna Valley High School in Conklin, where he graduated in 2021. His academic performance was generally average, but he had a strong interest in computers, history, and online forums.
After high school, he enrolled at Broome Community College, but his attendance was short-lived. He dropped out shortly before the tragic incident in 2022. His time in school was marked by increasing isolation and signs of being influenced by extremist ideologies he encountered on the internet.
Many investigations have since pointed to his online activities, especially on controversial platforms like Reddit and 4chan, where he consumed and shared extremist content.
His Father
Paul Gendron, Payton’s father, worked as a civil engineer employed by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). He was described as hardworking and involved in community development.
Following the events of 2022, Paul became the subject of intense media scrutiny, though no evidence linked him directly to his son’s actions. Public records and interviews suggest he had no idea about Payton’s extremist beliefs or planned attack.
His Mother
Pamela Gendron, Payton’s mother, also worked for the NYSDOT, serving in an administrative capacity. Like her husband, she maintained a low public profile until her son’s arrest.
Reports indicate that she was a nurturing figure and had been involved in school meetings and parenting groups during Payton’s childhood. After the tragedy, both parents expressed heartbreak and confusion, stating they were unaware of the radicalization their son had undergone online.
Children
As of 2025, Payton Gendron has no children. Given his age and current incarceration status, it is highly unlikely that he will have any in the foreseeable future.
Who Is Payton Gendron?
Payton Gendron is a convicted mass shooter responsible for the Buffalo supermarket mass shooting that occurred on May 14, 2022. The attack was racially motivated and claimed the lives of 10 innocent people, most of whom were African American.
Gendron live-streamed the attack on Twitch, a popular video platform, and left behind a 180-page manifesto filled with white supremacist ideology. Investigators later revealed he had been heavily influenced by Reddit, 4chan, and other radical online communities.
He drove over 200 miles from Conklin to Buffalo, choosing the supermarket specifically for its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood. The heinous act shocked the nation and prompted widespread debates on gun control, online radicalization, and domestic terrorism.
Current Life
Payton Gendron is currently serving life imprisonment without parole in a New York state correctional facility. In February 2023, he pleaded guilty to all state charges, including domestic terrorism motivated by hate — a first in New York state legal history.
In January 2024, he also faced federal hate crime charges, which could potentially lead to the death penalty, although as of 2025, no federal sentence has yet been handed down.
He remains in solitary confinement due to the high-profile nature of his crime and threats from other inmates. Reports from prison officials describe him as cooperative but emotionally detached.
Mental Health in Prison
Multiple psychological evaluations have been conducted since his incarceration. Experts concluded that he was legally sane at the time of the attack, though he did show signs of anxiety, isolation, and social alienation.
Net Worth
One of the most searched topics about Payton Gendron is his net worth. It is important to clarify that Payton Gendron’s net worth is estimated to be $0.
- He had no known employment history before his arrest.
- He was a full-time student briefly before dropping out.
- He lived with his parents and was financially dependent on them.
- No assets, investments, or properties were listed in his name during the investigation.
Any claim suggesting he had wealth is false or misleading.
Reddit Connection
Reddit played a significant role in Payton Gendron’s radicalization. Although he was more active on platforms like 4chan, Reddit was part of the ecosystem where he encountered and shared extremist views. Subreddits with lenient moderation or focused on controversial political topics have often been criticized for becoming hubs for hate speech.
After the attack, Reddit took action by banning several subreddits related to Gendron’s ideology and enhanced moderation on fringe discussions to prevent similar radicalization.
Conclusion
Payton Gendron‘s story is a chilling reminder of how online radicalization and hate speech can lead to real-world tragedy. A young man from a quiet town, raised in a stable environment, became the face of domestic terrorism fueled by racism and internet extremism.
Despite his young age, Gendron committed an unthinkable act that changed countless lives and reignited national conversations about racism, gun violence, and the role of social media platforms like Reddit in shaping ideologies.
His net worth, life before the attack, and his family — including his father and his mother — became topics of widespread media coverage. But ultimately, his name is tied to one of the most heartbreaking incidents in recent American history.
FAQ’s: Payton Gendron
1. What is Payton Gendron’s age?
As of 2025, Payton Gendron is 21 years old.
2. What is Payton Gendron’s net worth?
He has no known net worth, estimated to be $0.
3. Who are Payton Gendron’s parents?
His father is Paul Gendron and his mother is Pamela Gendron. Both were employed by the NYSDOT.
4. Is Payton Gendron active on Reddit?
He was reportedly active on Reddit among other platforms before the 2022 attack. His online activity contributed to his radicalization.
5. Where is Payton Gendron now?
He is currently incarcerated in a New York state prison with a life sentence, and also facing federal charges.
6. Does Payton Gendron have any children?
No, he does not have any children.
7. Why is Payton Gendron known?
He is known for committing the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting, a racially motivated attack.
