Western New York Republican lawmakers and candidates are pointing to New York state’s bail reform laws amid a recent uptick in violence across the region after a Fourth of July weekend in which 11 people were shot in six separate shootings.
Two other shootings happened in Niagara Falls. Three people died as a result.
“If you fire a gun into a crowded space with intent to harm, it should be a class B felony and you should do the time,” Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski. “If you commit a felony while holding a loaded firearm, you should get a minimum of a 5-year additional sentence. These are just some measures languishing in Albany that would strengthen public safety.”
The city is blaming the violence on a highly promoted block party on Stevens Avenue in Buffalo. All of those shootings broke out near the party, which featured thousands of people in attendance. The promoter of the gathering has caused problems for the city in the past, according to officials, and Ryan and the BPD are pursuing a cease-and-desist order. They also want to make that person pay for the BPD’s overtime clocked over the holiday weekend.
“The violence that occurred on Buffalo’s streets this past weekend at a time when we should be celebrating America’s 250th birthday and all of the freedoms and opportunities that go with it, is simply unacceptable,” Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro said. “It is difficult trying to convince people to come into the city and enjoy what Buffalo has to offer when you turn on the TV or social media and you see absolute mayhem. Protecting the public needs to be upheld as a priority and it is not optional.”
Buffalo Mayor Sean said the city is also considering putting a curfew into effect.