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Everhart Proposes Creation of Gun Violence Prevention Office

Gillberg
Everhart Proposes Creation of Gun Violence Prevention Office

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo City Councilmember Zeneta Everhart, mother of a survivor of the May 14 mass shooting, announced a resolution Monday to create a gun violence prevention office in the City of Buffalo.

What do you want to know?

  • Buffalo Common Councilmember Zeneta Everhart announced a resolution to open a gun violence prevention office in the City of Buffalo.
  • It would be funded by the federal government.

  • It would be made up of advisers and community members already familiar with gun violence prevention efforts.

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


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

“I’m tired of hearing people talk about gun violence. I’m tired of it,” Everhart said. “It can’t be said enough. Our community deserves better. And it has to start in government. We’re elected to be the leaders. It’s up to us to lead.”

The announcement comes after a violent July 4 weekend that saw five people shot and killed and a three-year-old boy last month. In June, the U.S. surgeon general declared gun violence a public health crisis.

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

“When you really start to look at the impact this has on everyone, you realize it’s not just our community that’s being impacted, it’s all of our communities,” said Kareema Morris of Bury the Violence. “This is our city and these are definitely our babies. And we’re starting to lose our babies. With no explanation. There’s no explanation.”

Everhart said she hopes to see a unanimous vote to pass the Buffalo Common Council resolution. 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 Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart and the Common Council to establish a Gun Violence Prevention Office in the City of Buffalo. My administration’s work has contributed to a significant decrease in gun violence. Through the work of various City departments and community partnerships, shooting incidents have decreased by 28%, shooting victims have decreased by 32%, and gun homicides have decreased by 58% in 2023 compared to 2022. We are committed to doing more and are always looking for additional ways to make our city safer and improve quality of life. We have worked tirelessly to implement law enforcement intervention strategies including the Micro Hot Spot Crime Reduction Strategy, the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) program, hiring additional community police officers, the Neighborhood Engagement Team, and investing in technology. Additionally, we studied best practices from across the country that led to our community intervention strategies such as the Save Our Streets program, Clean Sweeps, record investments in the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, funding for Peacemakers, funding for the Police Athletic League, funding for the Jordan Nwora Elite Basketball Camp, and funding for eight crime prevention organizations through the City’s Neil Dobbins Restorative Justice Fund, among other initiatives.

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