© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Anti-violence groups respond to Bailey Avenue shootings

Mike Desmond/WBFO

In the middle of the after-school rush yesterday of the traffic along Bailey Avenue, someone shot three people in front of a liquor store at Bailey and Berkshire. Police say it was a targeted shooting.

"When I was growing up, you had a couple fights, you shook hands and you moved on. But, this generation is a little different," said Tim Newkirk of Buffalo SNUG. The anti-violence group was one of many on hand at the crime scene Monday afternoon.

"Now, it's a society of video games, simulated video games and movies that portray violence as it's like the first thing to do is go and get a gun and to act on your emotions," Newkirk said.

There have been major efforts in University Heights to overcome the image of violence in the community, projects like the new video history of the neighborhood.

"I don't believe it's for naught. I think we still have to keep on trying," urged Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt who represents the University District.

"We still have to put our efforts in the right direction to get people hope, to give them opportunities and try to help make our community safe."

Two of the three victims were taken to the hospital in critical condition. The other was listed in serious condition. Police are reviewing surveillance footage. Three cameras are posted on the liquor store at the scene of the shooting. Buffalo Police also have a camera posted on a pole across the street.
 

Mike Desmond is one of Western New York’s most experienced reporters, having spent nearly a half-century covering the region for newspapers, television stations and public radio. He has been with WBFO and its predecessor, WNED-AM, since 1988. As a reporter for WBFO, he has covered literally thousands of stories involving education, science, business, the environment and many other issues. Mike has been a long-time theater reviewer for a variety of publications and was formerly a part-time reporter for The New York Times.