3-year-old boy killed, sister injured in Buffalo shooting

A Friday night shooting at an outdoor gathering in Buffalo, New York, killed a 3-year-old boy and injured his 7-year-old sister, authorities said Saturday.

The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. during a family gathering in Buffalo’s Schiller Park neighborhood, Mayor Byron Brown said at a news conference.

The young boy was hit by gunfire and died from his injuries. His sister “was hit by gunfire and will survive,” Brown said, adding that the shooting was not related to the rally.

The 3-year-old was “just riding his tricycle, having fun with his family members on a hot summer night, with his 7-year-old sister by his side,” the mayor said.

Then, gunshots erupted “out of nowhere,” hitting the young siblings.

Police officers were quick to respond to the scene, according to Police Commissioner Joseph A. Gramaglia.

As soon as they saw the boy had been shot, they took the victim, rushed to Erie County Medical Center “and did everything they could to expedite the care of this child,” a statement said. Granaglia said, but they couldn’t save his life.

Although no arrests have been made, “significant progress” has been made in the investigation, according to Acting Erie County Prosecutor Michael Keane.

“There are witnesses to this horrific crime, and those responsible for the murder of this 3-year-old boy should be brought to justice,” Keane said.

According to the mayor, the children’s mother is a “strong woman” who is “active in the community (as a) member of The Most Valuable Parents organization; I’m constantly working with other families, working with kids, trying to keep families safe (and) trying to keep kids in our community safe.

“I’m heartbroken that this happened,” he said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to submit a tip online or via text message or call the Buffalo Police confidential tip line at 716-847-2255.