Mayor Evans speaks with Mayors statewide about gun violence

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Mayor Malik Evans spoke about his solidarity with Buffalo in wake of the mass shooting during a meeting with mayors across New York State on Tuesday.

The mayors met to address gun violence and mark the start of Gun Violence Awareness Month. Buffalo’s Mayor Byron Brown hosted the meeting via Zoom. Other participants included New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the mayors of Albany, Mount Vernon, and Niagara Falls.

Evans said he was horrified by the Buffalo mass shooting and by the violence happening within Rochester.

"The victims of that horrific incident on May 14th represent a cross-section of America," Evans said. "A retired police officer, a substitute teacher, a beloved grandmother, a dedicated community activist. All these folks are representative of the gun violence we’re seeing in our communities and I know that I’m tired of it and I know our fellow mayors are also tired of it."

Continuing with Gun Violence Awareness Month, on June 3, Evans will issue a proclamation and news conference on gun violence at City Hall. He will join Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and representatives from Moms Demand Action and the ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition at city hall.

The last time Evans spoke about gun violence was on May 23, following an arrest related to the murder of Bryson Simpson, who was shot after he walked off the school bus. Evans said that programs for job opportunities, gun violence prevention groups, and community support are key to preventing "nonsense homicides."

The city’s skyline will be lit orange from June 3-5 to recognize the month-long campaign.

Gun Violence Awareness Month is a statewide campaign in June to recognize the impact of gun violence on communities while promoting conversation and action.

Firearms are now the leading cause of death for American children and teens. According to the CDC, over 45,000 people died from gun-related injuries just last year alone—including murders and suicides.

Since January 2021, gun violence is up 48% in New York City, 22% in Albany, 88% in Buffalo, and 95% in Rochester. This information comes directly from the declaration of a state-wide disaster emergency due to gun violence. You can find that below or by clicking here.

State of New York Executive Order by News10NBC on Scribd