Erie County Republicans advocate for more public safety measures after violent Fourth of July Weekend

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A number of Republican elected officials and candidates gathered in Niagara Square on Wednesday in front of Buffalo City Hall to demand action on rising crime in the city and across Western New York. This stemming from a violent Fourth of July Weekend that left 11 people shot across six separate scenes.

In addition, officers across the city that night were cursed at, spit on, and had fireworks thrown at them when responding to the scenes.

This also included an incident where a Buffalo police officer's home was attacked while his wife and young children were inside. The officer had answered a fight call on his own street, then watched a mob descend on his home and break his windows with his family inside.

Republican leaders say what happened this past weekend was not an isolated event, but the latest sign of a system that no longer holds criminals accountable and no longer stands behind the police. They pointed to a broader pattern that residents live with every day, with car break-ins, retail theft, and repeat offenders back on the street within days.

“For years, Albany Democrats have weakened our criminal justice system while ignoring the voices of law enforcement professionals who warned them of the consequences,” said State Assemblyman Pat Chludzinski, who's also a former Cheektowaga Police Lieutenant. “Their policies have tied the hands of judges, prosecutors, and police, while creating a revolving door justice system where offenders of all ages, from violent felons to car thieves and burglars, fear no consequences. The government’s main priority is to ensure the safety of its citizens, and right now, we are failing the people we took an oath to protect. We need to act immediately to reverse this dangerous course, or the situation will only worsen."

Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro says the events of this past weekend in Buffalo were very disturbing.

"We need to give Buffalo police officers the ability to enforce the laws. Proper punishment and accountability needs to reflect this,” said Todaro.

For West Seneca Town Supervisor and candidate for the 142nd State Assembly Gary Dickson, as a former federal law enforcement official with the FBI, he knows when government fails to hold criminals accountable, the consequences are felt by everyone in the neighborhood.

"The rise in crime we're seeing across Buffalo and Western New York is the direct result of policies championed in Albany that have weakened our criminal justice system, and made it harder for law enforcement to do its job," Dickson said. "Too many politicians campaign at home as supporters of public safety, then go to Albany and vote for the very policies that have made our communities less safe. The people of Western New York deserve leaders who will stand with law enforcement, support victims, and put public safety first."

Former State Senator and now candidate for Erie County Legislature District 6, Ed Rath says what happened in Buffalo this past weekend is unacceptable.

"We need to do better, and that starts with getting tough on crime. We want Buffalo to be a place where people aren’t afraid to come to,” he said. "Our communities deserve practical solutions, accountability, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their families, neighborhoods, and local businesses are safe."

Erie County Republicans note that public safety will be a top priority on the ballot this November, calling on voters to make the choice that keeps their families safe.