BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Two people were shot Wednesday evening on Buffalo's east side, and one of the victims was an 11-year-old boy.

The police commissioner said that the other victim, a 20-year-old man, was shot in the chest around 8 p.m. in the area of Heminway Street and Humason Avenue. Police believe the shooting was gang-related.

Both victims, whose names were not immediately released by police, ended up at Erie County Medical Center. City and police officials said both victims are badly wounded.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the family of the 11-year-old is at the hospital, and together, they are praying for the best.

"We will work this investigation around the clock. We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior in our city," said Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

"It's just nonsense. There's no excuse. Just unbelievable that an 11-year-old has to be shot. Does not make sense whatsoever."

"I've said to Police Commissioner Derenda, that all resources he needs to investigate this will be available to him," said Brown, D-Buffalo. "The commissioner has directed the members of the BPD to investigate this with all the vigor and all the resources that the BPD can bring."

The shooting shook people who live along Humason Avenue and beyond. Some neighbors said they heard several shots, and one woman said when she came out to investigate, she saw a child laying on the ground.

Several others told Time Warner Cable News they're sick of the sound of gunshots in their neighborhood.

Kenneth Bleu said he doesn't live here, but came to this street to check on family members.

"This is like we're living in a terroristic zone. Just horrible that the children can't play in the street and enjoy themselves without getting plowed down behind some idiot that don't know how to drive or some fool that's not properly trained with weapons and killing innocent people," Bleu said.

"Whatever they had a beef with, whomever, the little kid didn't have anything to do with the beef. You shooting at people and hitting the wrong people all the time. This stuff's got to come to a stop."