BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A 14-year-old girl is dead and five other teenagers are recovering after being shot in Buffalo, New York, late Saturday night according to authorities.
Buffalo police say they were called to a parking lot on the city’s northside just before 11:30 p.m.
Officers found six teenagers, all between 14 and 16 years old, with gunshot wounds.
The 14-year-old girl was transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Four males were transported to an area hospital by ambulance, including a 15-year-old boy who is listed in critical condition. A 16-year-old boy was grazed by gunfire but declined medical treatment at the scene.
“This is a senseless crime,” Buffalo mayor Byron Brown said during a press conference Sunday. “To open fire on a group of children absolutely makes no sense whatsoever.”
Police told local news radio station WUFO that “several hundred” teenagers were in the area for an event. Authorities were initially called around 10:20 p.m. for loud music at the event. Ten minutes later, they were notified of a reported fight.
It took about 30 minutes for the crowd to be dispersed. Shortly after 11 p.m., police received calls that shots had been fired and a person injured.
According to police, three handguns were believed to be present at the party.
“I urge anyone with information to come forward and assist law enforcement in their investigation,” said Buffalo Common Council Member Zeneta Everhart. “We must continue to stand united against gun violence, not just within Buffalo, but across our nation as well.”
Authorities believe the fight led to the shooting but say they are continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call or text the confidential TIPCALL line at 716-847-2255.