At a family gathering in Buffalo, New York, a 3-year-old kid was struck by gunfire, resulting in his death, and his 7-year-old sister’s injuries, according to officials.
After being called to the scene on Friday night, police took the kid to the hospital, where they declared him dead. Police said his sister received minor cuts but is expected to heal.
At a press conference on Saturday, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph A. Gramaglia stated, “Last night was a very tragic night for our community.”
According to Gramaglia, the family get-together had nothing to do with the incident.
“It was a hot night with a lot of people out, and the gunfire was unrelated to the gathering,” he stated. “These children were simply out enjoying a summer evening when tragedy struck.”
“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. And the children are struck by gunfire,” Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown stated.
Gramaglia praised the cops’ prompt response to the shooting, stating that they came “very quickly.”
The mother of the two children is well-known in the neighborhood and involved in Most Valuable Parents, a local group that works to increase safety in Buffalo, according to Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane.
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“She is a strong woman, consistently working with other families to keep our children safe,” he stated. “And now this tragedy has struck her own family.”
As of Sunday afternoon, police had not stated whether any suspect or persons of interest had been identified. They are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
According to authorities, a gun found at the site is presently being tested.
“We need the community to come together and help us put an end to this violence,” Gramaglia stated. “Our hearts are with the family of these children, and we will do everything in our power to bring justice for this senseless act.”
