7-06-2026 9:14am

That empty feeling

Joseph Genco Editor

Sometimes I don’t know how to feel, or react. Two teenagers died Saturday in shootings in Niagara Falls.

There were also multiple shootings in Buffalo, and Rochester. Both had more than Niagara Falls. Proportionally, that is probably roughly equal. There is trouble everywhere.

That is not to offer whatabout. There are raw emotions. Nothing is more tragic than the loss of a child.

The difference is what we do about it as a community. Consider for a minute that these senseless shootings had been almost eliminated over the last 3 years. We had 1, maybe 2.

The work of SNUG, GIVE patrols, We All We Got, Niagaras Community Group and 716 basketball will continue to make a difference.

There are people working hard who care deeply.

Don’t stop. Keep going.

I read or watched several impassioned pleas this morning via Facebook, from Nookie Moore to Sanquin Starks, Demetreus Nix, Donta Myles, Samika Sullivan and more. All have valid, passionate voices as community leaders.

A word about news coverage: I looked at the TV and radio stations, the Gazette and Buffalo News. Not one had anything more than what the city released. The Express remains the only news outlet connected to the community and has a approved request with the city for a GIVE patrol ridealong waiting to be scheduled. The E3 statement is reproduced below:

On July 5, 2026, at approximately 1:00 a.m., the Niagara Falls Police Department responded to the area of Fairfield Avenue and Highland Avenue in reference to a report of a large party and shots fired.

“Upon arrival, officers encountered a large crowd and began dispersing the group. During this time, they were advised that a victim from the scene had been transported by private vehicle to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center with a reported injury. The victim later succumbed to the injury sustained during the incident.

“No information regarding the victim is being released at this time, pending family notification. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Niagara Falls Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at (716) 286-4553 or the general information line at (716) 286-4711."

Statement from the Niagara Falls Police Department regarding Niagara Street Shooting

"On July 5, 2026, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the Niagara Falls Police Department responded to the area of 3004 Niagara Street, formally known as The Bakery, in reference to a report of a large party followed by shots fired.

“Upon arrival, officers from Niagara Falls Police and mutual aid agencies as well as other first responders encountered a large uncooperative crowd and began to render aid to a victim located in the alley behind 3004 Niagara Street. The victim was transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Emergency Room where they succumbed to injures sustained.

“Coinciding with this incident, NFPD was advised a male party had also arrived at the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room with a gunshot wound by private vehicle. This victim was treated at the hospital and released shortly thereafter.

Finally: This from Robshots

In the wake of two fatal shootings overnight that ended two young lives, Community Grief Counseling is being offered to anyone who may need help.