BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It was Tuesday morning when Buffalo Police said Masten District Council Member Ulysses Wingo visited Riverside High School for an assembly. In his possession was a loaded gun.
The district said Principal Jerome Piwko and an office staff member found out that Wingo had the firearm on school grounds. But the district said it wasn't made aware until Wednesday afternoon - a day later - and only after the office staff member told another administrator in the building. That administrator then informed the district.
A district spokesperson said Central Office called '911' immediately after finding out, at approximately 5:20 p.m. Wednesday night.
The district said the 911 dispatcher told school officials to have the principal call 911 from the school in the morning.
Buffalo Police tell 7 Eyewitness News they found out about the incident Thursday morning, but did not file a report.
In a post on his Facebook page, Wingo said he regrets what happened.
He went on to say he has a license to legally carry a pistol but adds his actions were "unintentional and inadvertent."
It is against the law in New York for non-law enforcement to have a gun on school property.
Wingo is no longer permitted on any district property. The district has put principal Piwko on administrative leave.
In a statement to Common Council President Darius Pridgen, Councilman Wingo said:
Until the conclusion of this investigation, I will not Chair the meetings for the Common Council Committee on Education. I look forward to working with all involved parties to resolving this matter as swiftly and efficiently as possible. At this time, I will not be making additional statements to the media until this is behind us. Superintendent Cash has my full support and transparency in investigating this incident and the subsequent handling of the situation. I am hopeful for the opportunity to work more closely with Superintendent Cash in the future to re-establish a relationship that prioritizes the safety and security of students in The City of Buffalo.
President Pridgen said the Education Committee will be chaired by President Pro Temp Chris Scanlon until further notice.
