Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Two days after, what was, one of the most violent July 4th holiday weekends in recent memory, a leading voice in promoting peace not only in the East Side neighborhood, but across Buffalo says he is very concerned about what transpired late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
Pastor James Giles, founder of Back to Basics Ministries said the wave of young people using weapons is "deeply concerning."
"I don't understand why the they want to shoot each other," Giles said.
Giles was referring to a July 4th "street takeover" on Grider Street near E. Delavan Avenue that left 11 people shot - none fatally - in six instances related to the event.
The street takeover, coupled with the fights on Chippewa Street and in South Buffalo, had Buffalo police taxed beyond anyone's expectations.
To Giles, one of the biggest issues is how easily guns can be obtained.
"It's hard to put your hands on," Giles said.
Back to Basics Ministries along with other non-violence groups work the streets to try and give youths alternatives to using guns and drugs.
The ministry has a deep track record of turning youths around and away from guns, drugs and violence.
But events like the street take over, which Buffalo Police Commissioner Erika Shields is designed to promote violence and chaos make Back to Basics Ministries mission that much harder.
Giles says there is a new sense of urgency.
"We need to come together in a new way," Giles said.
Giles feels more outreach is needed
Giles feels more outreach is needed
