Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - The gun-related violence that plagued Buffalo during the July 4th holiday weekend also made its way into Niagara Falls and the Cataract City's mayor is concerned and wants to make sure there is no repeat in his city.
In separate incidents - just two hours apart - two young people, Jayla Brown, 19, and Jalin Ries, 22, were killed by gun fire. Both were at large street gatherings that were not sanctioned or backed by the city. The first shooting took place around 1 a.m. on Fairfield Street and the second took place around 3 a.m. on Niagara Street.
"The bottom line is I'm saddened by it all," Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said.
The shootings were just the second and third homicides reported in Niagara Falls this year. None were reported in 2025 and in the past few years under initiatives championed by Restaino, violent crimes in Niagara Falls has been reduced by nearly 30%.
"You can talk about trying to improve the network and family support, but, you still have to stop these individuals from thinking (gun fire and violence) is the right reaction," Restaino said.
The mayor said he wants to gather the appropriate city, state and county agencies and brainstorm on ways to cut down on gun fire, gangs, drugs and overall violence.
This weekend proved there is a certain sense of urgency, Restaino said.
"It's time to roll up our sleeves and get some action going," Restaino said.
Much like Buffalo, where a violent street take over resulted in 11 people - ranging in age between 13 years old and 51 years old - were shot during a three-hour period, Niagara Falls police encountered the same scenario where a large crowd was decidedly uncooperative and hindered law enforcement efforts,
Restaino said any action should come from groups more so than government mandates.
"Government edicts? None of that works," Restaino said. "It needs to happen on the street level."
Two killed in separate holiday weekend shootings
Two killed in separate holiday weekend shootings
