BUFFALO, N.Y. — Republican elected officials and candidates gathered in Niagara Square today, in front of Buffalo City Hall, to demand action on rising crime in Buffalo and across Western New York following a violent Fourth of July weekend that left eleven people shot across six separate scenes and saw a Buffalo police officer’s home attacked while his wife and young children were inside.
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The officer had answered a fight call on his own street, then watched a mob descend on his home and break his windows with his family inside. Officers across the city that night were cursed at, spit on, and had fireworks thrown at them. Speakers said the weekend was not an isolated event but the latest sign of a system that no longer holds criminals accountable and no longer stands behind the police.
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They pointed to a broader pattern that residents live with every day, with car break-ins, retail theft, and repeat offenders back on the street within days
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“What happened this weekend in Buffalo wasn’t a fluke. It’s the predictable result of years of soft-on-crime policies from Democrats in Albany and here in Erie County who have failed to stand behind our police and put public safety first, and our communities are paying the price,” said Chairman Michael Kracker. “Voters see it, and they feel it, and this November they have the power to do something about it. It’s time to remove the politicians who have made our communities less safe and elect Republican leaders with the experience and values to end this lawlessness and protect our families.
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“For years, Albany Democrats have weakened our criminal justice system while ignoring the voices of law enforcement professionals who warned them of the consequences,” said Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski, a former Cheektowaga Police Lieutenant. “Their policies have tied the hands of judges, prosecutors, and police, while creating a revolving door justice system where offenders of all ages, from violent felons to car thieves and burglars, fear no consequences. The government’s main priority is to ensure the safety of its citizens, and right now, we are failing the people we took an oath to protect. We need to act immediately to reverse this dangerous course, or the situation will only worsen,” Chludzinski added.
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“The events of this past weekend in Buffalo are very disturbing, and punishment needs to reflect this. We need to give Buffalo police officers the ability to enforce the laws. Proper punishment and accountability needs to reflect this,” said Legislator Frank Todaro
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“As a former federal law enforcement official, I know that when government fails to hold criminals accountable, the consequences are felt by every family and every neighborhood,” said Supervisor Gary Dickson, Candidate for the 142nd Assembly District. “The rise in crime we’re seeing across Buffalo and Western New York is the direct result of policies championed in Albany that have weakened our criminal justice system and made it harder for law enforcement to do its job. Too many politicians campaign at home as supporters of public safety, then go to Albany and vote for the very policies that have made our communities less safe. The people of Western New York deserve leaders who will stand with law enforcement, support victims, and put public safety first.”
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“I spent over 33 years with the New York State Police, working across the state, including the streets of Buffalo. Not once did I encounter a law-abiding citizen who didn’t want more police presence in their neighborhood,” said David Denz, candidate for Erie County Legislature District 9. “After devoting all those years to law enforcement, it’s infuriating and horrifying to see what our city and state have become. Under democrat leadership, the rules have changed to favor the criminals over the police and the community. I have witnessed firsthand the demise of each policy, such as bail reform, as it was enacted. Recruiting and retaining officers has become an ever-increasing problem. One that is fueled by anti-law enforcement rhetoric from the left, including our own Attorney General, who seemingly would rather prosecute a police officer than a criminal. It’s time for common sense and common decency to be reclaimed.”
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“During my two combat deployments to Panama and Iraq, I know firsthand the difficulties of maintaining law and order when citizens no longer trust those responsible for their safety and well-being. In Amherst, I will vigorously back up our police officers and provide them the training and additional resources needed to keep our 135,000 citizens safe and protected,” said Terry McGuire, Candidate for the 146th Assembly District. “Additionally, our Governor continues to misuse the Soldiers of our NY Army National Guard, many of them our neighbors, by deploying them to our state prisons at great taxpayer expense under the provisions of Article 32. Some estimate our bill to taxpayers is now $800 million dollars. Our correction officers, overworked and under daily inmate siege, have never been treated fairly in contract negotiations or resourced properly by the Governor to do their vital jobs. This is totally unacceptable and further proof of fiscal mismanagement and a lack of respect for law enforcement.”
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“The tragic and chaotic violence in Buffalo this weekend is unacceptable and demands action. As events escalated, both the public and law enforcement officers were placed at risk as crowds became increasingly uncontrollable,” said Christina Coyle-Lenz, Candidate for Erie County Legislature District 5. “Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, on their street, and throughout our community. Residents are paying the price as crime surges, while failed policies like bail reform are demoralizing our law enforcement officers and making it harder to recruit the next generation of police. New York’s bail reform laws must be honestly evaluated and strengthened where they are failing to protect the public, while preserving fairness and due process. Public safety is not a partisan issue—it is a fundamental responsibility of government.
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“What happened in Buffalo this past weekend is unacceptable. We need to do better, and that starts with getting tough on crime. We want Buffalo to be a place where people aren’t afraid to come to,” said Ed Rath, Candidate for Erie County Legislature District 6.
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“For more than 20 years, I’ve worked in downtown Buffalo alongside law enforcement officers, first responders, and other public safety professionals. As a former Military Police officer and a local elected official, I’ve seen this city through its best days and its toughest challenges,” said Frank Bogulski, Candidate for the 149th Assembly District. “I can say without hesitation that the level of violence and disorder we’re seeing today is the worst I’ve witnessed. This isn’t happening by accident. It’s the result of policies that have weakened accountability and made it harder for law enforcement to keep our communities safe. Buffalo deserves better. It’s time to support our police, restore accountability, and put public safety first.”
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“Our communities deserve practical solutions, accountability, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their families, neighborhoods, and local businesses are safe,” said Ed Rath, Candidate for Erie County Legislature District 6.
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Speakers closed with a shared message that public safety is on the ballot this November. They called on Erie County voters to make the choice that keeps their families safe.
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Erie County Republican Committee | 715 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 |
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