Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown traveled to Washington, D.C. once again on Wednesday, as he served as a distinguished participant in the Congressional Black Caucus’ 51st Annual Legislative Conference.
Specifically, Mayor Brown took part as a panelist during Senator Cory Booker’s session titled, "Community-based Solutions to Enhancing Public Safety: Evidence-based Approaches to Stopping Gun Violence."
Senator Booker led a discussion on the importance of community violence intervention efforts to break the cycle of violence in cities across the United States. Mayor Brown focused his remarks on the community-wide impact of the May 14 shooting at the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo that killed 10 people and injured three others.
“It was a real honor to serve on Senator Booker’s panel [Wednesday] as part of the Congressional Black Caucus’ 51st Annual Legislative Conference, which was in-person after two years of virtual programming," said Mayor Brown in a statement. "Since the tragic events of May 14 at the Tops on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, I’ve been working tirelessly with others to give voice to all of those impacted by this hate-filled act of domestic terrorism. To the victims, survivors, and all of those in our community and beyond, who are coping with the aftermath of gun violence, we will never forget, and I will continue to do everything I can to build bridges and address division.”
Since the tragic events of May 14 in Buffalo, Mayor Brown has attended a variety of gun violence discussions at the local, state, and national level.
In addition to Senator Booker’s panel at this week’s Congressional Black Caucus Meeting, Mayor Brown recently attended President Biden’s “United We Stand” Summit at the White House to counter violent attacks motivated by hate. The Summit was part of a promise Biden made when he came to Buffalo in the aftermath of the May 14 mass shooting.
Additionally, Mayor Brown was in New York City last spring when Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a number of measures that strengthened gun laws in New York State:
- New York State enacted new gun legislation that included banning anyone under the age of 21 from buying a semi-automatic rifle, strengthening red flag laws and allowing only law enforcement to buy body armor.
- The House voted to raise the age for buying semi-automatic rifles to 21 and passed an assault weapon ban late July.
- Additionally, New York State made an investment of $50 million for housing and social services to help residents repair their homes and pay their bills.
More of the Mayor's comments on his trip to Washington, D.C. is available in the player below: