The Buffalo community is in mourning after a tragic fatal shooting claimed the life of a 3-year-old boy and injured his 7-year-old sister. Local leaders addressed the incident on Saturday, expressing their grief and calling for action to prevent further gun violence.
The shooting occurred around 9:30pm on Friday, June 21st at a family gathering on Domedion Avenue in the Schiller Park neighborhood. The young boy was rushed to Erie County Medical Center by ambulance but tragically succumbed to his injuries. His sister, who was also shot, is currently receiving treatment at Oishei Children's Hospital.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown described the situation as "very difficult" and "tragic." He emphasized that the shooting was unrelated to the family gathering, stating, "Two children, out with their family. A 3-year-old riding his tricycle, having fun with members of his family on a hot summer night. His 7-year-old big sister, right by his side, and out of nowhere, gunfire erupts." Mayor Brown expressed his heartbreak and personal connection to the incident.
In the wake of this tragedy, Mayor Brown called on Washington lawmakers to pass stricter gun control measures to address the issue of gun violence not only in Buffalo but across the nation.
Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia also expressed his dismay, highlighting the senselessness of the shooting. He drew attention to previous incidents involving young victims, stating, "Back in 2018, we had an 18-month-old that was shot and killed. In 2021, we had a 5-year-old that was shot and killed. And now we're talking about a child that was several weeks shy of his fourth birthday, shot senselessly."
Commissioner Gramaglia confirmed that two individuals of interest were interviewed by the Buffalo Police in the hours following the shooting. However, they were subsequently released as the investigation progressed. A recovered gun is currently undergoing testing to determine if it was the weapon used in the shooting.
Both Mayor Brown and Commissioner Gramaglia urged the community to come forward with any information that could assist in apprehending the person or persons responsible for this tragic incident.
They emphasized the importance of community cooperation and the need for justice to be served.
The Buffalo Police Department has set up a Confidential TIPCALL Line at (716) 847-2255 for anyone with information related to the shooting to call or text.