Gun violence prevention aided by $50k allocation

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....The timing for a state $50,000 allocation towards Buffalo's Office of Gun Violence Prevention couldn't be more appropriate.

The announcement, made by State Sen. Jeremy Zellner - who secured the funds - came less than one day after a six-year-old child was struck by a bullet as the child played in the family's house.

"We should not be talking about a six-year-old with a bullet wound in the child's shoulder," said Zeneta Everhart, Masten District Councilwoman and Council President Pro Tempore.

Everhart has been a major champion for funding the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and its programs that focus education and events aimed at teaching about avoiding violent situations.

It is a personal mission for Everhart, whose son was seriously injured in the 5/14 Jefferson Avenue mass shootings and also lost a nephew in 2018 to gun shot wounds.

Zellner said the state funds come after a federal initiative created by President Biden - in the wake of the 5/14 racially-motivated attack - was cut by President Trump.

"New York has to come through to fill in these cracks," Zellner said.

Everhart said programming financed by the state allocation will begin almost immediately. It will dovetail off existing initiatives such groups as Back to Basics Ministries and Peaceprints of WNY.

"We need this money," Everhart said. "It will go a long way as it works into the neighborhoods."