Learn to combat gang violence
By David Winters
Thursday, June 10, 2026

Chris Richter has become keenly aware recently of the gang violence in the city, especially in his neighborhood.

As president of the Packard Court Block Club, he hopes next week’s gang violence seminar will enlighten city residents about the issue.

“I think it’s well needed,” Richter said. “The more people are informed, the better it will be for the community.”

Council Chairman Charles Walker is hosting the gang violence seminar June 17 at the Niagara Falls Family Resource Center on Ninth Street to educate residents about the issue finding its way into the city.

During a surge of large fights in April, some associated with gangs, Walker said he witnessed some of those fights and wanted to curb them before it gets out of control.

He envisioned gathering community leaders, along with police and city officials, to discuss strategies for dealing with the problem and informing residents about gang violence.

“We want to try to make the residents more aware of what’s going on,” Walker said in April. “It’s important to get parents and other community leaders involved.”

Mark Sanders, a Lockport Police Department Community Policing Aide, will discuss the problems associated with gangs and solutions of how the community can deal with them.

Also those in attendance will include Niagara Falls Police Superintendent John Chella, Niagara County District Attorney Matthew J. Murphy III, Buffalo police officer Richard Woods and the Rev. Jimmie Seright of the Niagara Falls Life Transformation Ministries.

Stephanie W. Cowart, executive director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, said it’s important to get the message out.

“I think awareness is positive,” said Cowart after Gov. George Pataki’s announcement of Operation Impact on Wednesday. “The more you know about it, the better you can fight it.”



Gang Violence Seminar

When: 4 to 8 p.m., June 17

Where: Family Resource Center theater, 3001 Ninth St.
View Printable Story

Add a comment