Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Pastor James Giles is concerned.
As one of Buffalo's leading peace keepers and Pastor/President/CEO of the Back to Basics Ministries on the city's East Side, Giles is actually more concerned that ever about the wave of violent attacks that have taken place in recent days.
"It is problematic," Giles said.
Especially in the wake of two Buffalo police officers being injured in separate incidents. One was injured on May 22 trying to subdue a suspect on Broadway while the other was shot on May 26 while trying to defuse a domestic violence call on Sherman Street.
"What is the world coming to when someone doesn't think twice about hurting a police officer," Giles said.
Giles said it is not a Buffalo-only problem.
The rising tide of violent attacks is growing across the country.
Giles attributes it to frustration, angst coupled with the relative ease of obtaining a gun, knife or weapon.
"It seems like everyone is getting hurt by the rise on violence," Giles said.
Recently named Buffalo Police Commissioner Erika Shields said the incidents involving two of her officers has become a tipping point.
"It's been a little alarming for me," Shields said during a May 26 press conference. "Even in the past week, it's been markedly different from my first two weeks on the job. What I will say on the incidents of violence, they appear random. There seems to be a lot of one-offs, as opposed to a connection or gang activity."
Shields said she and her top staff will be addressing the increased in violent attack issues in the coming days.
One solution Giles has offered: Open schools and community centers for afternoon and early evening recreational and educational activities.
That would divert the attention of youth, teenagers and even young adults, Giles said.
"They need redirection away from violence," Giles said.
What can't happen, Giles said, is to allow more violence out on the streets.
"People are just too impatient with each other and that leads to more attacks," Giles said.
The local peace keeper is concerned about a recent wave of violence
The local peace keeper is concerned about a recent wave of violence
