BUFFALO, N.Y. — Zeneta Everhart, Buffalo Common Council member and mother of a 5/14 mass shooting survivor, announced Monday a resolution to establish an Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the city of Buffalo.

What You Need To Know

  • Buffalo Common Councilmember Zeneta Everhart announced a resolution to open an Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the city of Buffalo. 
  • It would be federally funded.

  • It would be staffed by counselors and community members already familiar with gun violence prevention efforts.

  • It still needs to pass the Buffalo Common Council, but Everhart hopes to see it pass unanimously and open by Dec. 31, 2024.

She said the office would be called Buffalo Initiative for Safer, Organized Neighborhoods (BISON) and would provide ongoing support and resources to families impacted by gun violence. The office would also work with local law enforcement to address illegal firearm trafficking.

“I’m tired of hearing people talk about gun violence. I’m tired of it" Everhart said. "You can’t say it enough. Our community deserves better. And it has to start in government. We’re elected to be the leaders. So we have to lead.”

This announcement comes after a violent Fourth of July weekend in the city with five people shot, and the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old last month. In June, the U.S. Surgeon General declared gun violence a public health crisis.

Everhart said the office would be federally funded and seek out grants that could also help support the anti-gun violence organizations leading the effort.

"When we really start to look at how it's impacting everybody, it's just not our community — it's all of our communities," said Kareema Morris of Bury the Violence. "It’s our city and it's definitely our babies. And we're starting to lose our babies. Without an explanation. There is no explanation."

Everhart said she hopes to see a unanimous vote to pass the resolution by Buffalo Common Council. Her goal is to open the office by Dec. 31, 2024.

Mayor Byron Brown released a statement Monday afternoon, saying:

"I look forward to working with Councilmember Zeneta Everhart and the Common Council on establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the City of Buffalo. The work of my administration has contributed to a significant decrease in gun violence. Through the work of various City departments and community partnerships, shooting incidents are down 28%, shooting victims are down 32% and shooting homicides are down 58% in 2023 versus 2022. We are committed to doing more and we are always looking for additional ways to make our City safer and improve the quality of life. We have worked tirelessly on implementing law enforcement intervention strategies, including the Micro Hot Spot Crime Reduction Strategy, the GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination) Program, hiring additional Community Police Officers, the Neighborhood Engagement Team and investment in technology.  Additionally, we have studied best practices throughout the Country leading to our community intervention strategies such as the Save Our Streets Program, Clean Sweeps, record investments in Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, funding Peacemakers, funding the Police Athletic League, funding the Jordan Nwora Elite Basketball Camp and funding eight crime prevention organizations through the City’s Neil Dobbins Restorative Justice Fund among other initiatives.”