BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — One person is dead and another is injured following an early morning shooting in Buffalo.
It happened just before 2:30 a.m. on Saturday near West Chippewa and Pearl Streets.
Police said 19-year-old Jomarion Ryles of Buffalo was shot and died at the scene. Another 19-year-old man was shot in the chest and was transported to ECMC. Police said he remains at ECMC.
Police believe the shooting was targeted. They recovered two guns in a nearby parking lot and collected multiple shell casings.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance video. Anyone with information is asked to contact the confidential line at (716) 847-2255.
The Chippewa Alliance issued the following statement on the shooting:
"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones impacted by the tragic shooting that occurred this past weekend. The safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works, and visits downtown Buffalo is — and always will be — the number one priority of the Chippewa Alliance. Our mission is to foster a safe, vibrant environment for patrons, staff, and residents throughout the Entertainment District.
Despite this heartbreaking event, we remain encouraged by the growth and energy in downtown Buffalo. This past weekend, the district was filled with thousands of patrons celebrating Halloween at local bars and restaurants, and every hotel was sold out with guests visiting for weddings and the Bills game — a testament to how strong and active our nightlife has become. Major investments such as the recent Shea’s 710 Theatre project, the upcoming Shea’s expansion, and the ongoing Buffalo Convention Center renovations demonstrate that the district’s future is bright. A thriving entertainment district is essential to a thriving city — and safety is the foundation that supports it.
This week, we will be meeting with Buffalo Police and City officials to advocate for real, tangible action — less discussion and more implementation of solutions. The individuals involved in this past weekend’s shootings were reportedly under the age of 21, further underscoring the need for common-sense measures to limit late-night access to the street. Over the years we have proposed to city officials the concept of transforming Chippewa from a traditional street into a designated Entertainment Corridor, with 24/7 pedestrian access, private security, and controlled entry after 10 p.m. for those 21 and over. Restricting access to adults after that time is a necessary step toward creating a nightlife that is fun, safe, and sustainable for everyone and we strongly encourage the city to reconsider this concept.
We hope meaningful steps can be taken under the current administration, and we encourage the press and media to hold all of us accountable and follow up to see what plans the City is putting in place to ensure this doesn’t happen again. If progress cannot be made immediately, we urge the next administration to make downtown safety and the future of our Entertainment District a top priority. The Chippewa Alliance stands ready to collaborate and ensure that downtown Buffalo continues to grow as a safe, welcoming, and dynamic destination for all."
This was the first of two shootings that occurred during the overnight hours of Halloween.
The second shooting occurred around 3 a.m. on Lathrop Street near Broadway. Police said a 39-year-old man is in critical condition at ECMC with multiple gunshot wounds to the lower body. A 27-year-old woman was also transported to ECMC to be treated for a gunshot wound to the leg and has been released.
7 News senior reporter Maki Becker spoke to Buffalo's mayoral candidates on Monday and got their response to these violent crimes. You can watch her report below or at the top of the page.
