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The Express is still chasing down details but multiple sources confirm Dante Richardson was the victim of gunshot injuries while driving early Monday on the Niagara Expressway in Buffalo.
A call and text to Richardson on Monday were unanswered but friends confirmed he was the victim of the shooting and was in the intensive care unit at Erie unty Medical Center where he reportedly underwent surgery Monday afternoon.
ECMC is the regional trauma center. It typically employs two trauma surgeons, one who specializes in bullet wounds and one who fixes wounds from lawnmowers, snowblowers and industrial accidents.
Here’s all we know from Rob Bennett (Robshots):
Buffalo, NY - Thruway Shooting Investigation Continues
January 12, 2026
“New York State Police are continuing to investigate a shooting overnight which reportedly occurred on the New York State Thruway (I-190 N).
As of 12:55 p.m. there is currently a police presence on the I-190 North at Exit 11 (Route 198). State Police, as well as a K-9, could be seen walking along the thruway, likely trying to locate a scene.
***State Police have cleared the scene and the Roadway Reopened****
Around 1 a.m., Niagara Falls Police and NYS Troopers responded to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after they were advised that a vehicle was en route to the hospital with a gunshot victim following a shooting incident on the thruway. The 911 call was placed by a passenger in the vehicle. The 32-year old male driver, who has not been identified by police, was shot multiple times but is said to have non-life-threatening injuries. Three bullet holes were observed in the vehicle.
State Police says "While traveling between those exits, a dark colored vehicle traveling north bound on the I-190 pulled alongside the victim’s vehicle and shot rounds striking the victim."
Richardson ran as the endorsed Republican in the race for 6th District Niagara County Legislator in 2025 and lost at Niagara Falls Firefighter Sam Farrugia.
Richardson is a Stanford educated technology entrepreneur with particular expertise in artificial intelligence. He was responsible for much of the AI generated campaign material posted to social media during the last campaign in support of Donta Myles, Tanya Barone and Vincent Cauley for city council and slandering Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino, County Democrative Chairperson Chris Borgatti and others. Only Cauley, who was authentically connected to the community, won. Barone was a newcomer while Myles tried to win election as a write-in after being denied the endorsement of the Niagara Falls Democratic Committee.
