Buffalo, New York – A tragic incident unfolded late Saturday in western New York when a 14-year-old girl lost her life and five teenage boys were injured in a shooting. The Buffalo Police Department responded to reports of gunfire near Alexander Place in Buffalo shortly before 11:30 p.m. EDT. The victims, aged between 14 and 16, were found wounded in a parking lot by officers, according to local news sources.
Authorities stated that the young girl was taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital where she was later pronounced dead. The injured boys were taken to different medical centers, with one listed in critical condition and the others in stable condition. An additional boy was grazed by gunfire but declined treatment at the scene.
The shooting occurred just four blocks away from a previous tragic event where 10 individuals lost their lives in a racially motivated attack in 2022. Mayor Byron Brown expressed his condolences for the families affected by the recent shooting during a news conference, stating that it was a heartbreaking day in Buffalo.
Police reported that the shooting may have been triggered by an earlier fight at a large house party that hundreds of teenagers attended. Authorities had been called to the area due to noise complaints and a subsequent fight before the shooting occurred. The police chief of detectives mentioned that the earlier altercation may have led to the tragic incident later that evening.
Residents in the vicinity expressed shock and concern over the violence, with one individual stating that the situation was becoming increasingly concerning. Mayor Brown reassured the community that law enforcement would intensify their efforts to find those responsible for the shooting, urging anyone with information to come forward.
In a plea to the shooter or shooters involved, Mayor Brown urged them to consider the consequences of their actions and turn themselves in to authorities. He emphasized the senselessness of opening fire on a group of children and emphasized the need for accountability in such cases. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice for the victims and their families.