We are shocked to hear about and witness the serious injuries suffered by a protester at yesterday’s peaceful demonstration against police violence in downtown Buffalo. The protester, long-time PUSH Buffalo member Martin Gugino, has been a tireless fighter against injustice of all types for many years in our city both with PUSH and other grassroots organizations. He has joined us in the struggle for a just transition from the corporate controlled, undemocratic, and militarized systems of oppression that drive racial and economic injustice in our communities.
While PUSH Buffalo did not organize yesterday’s rally, we continue to support the people’s right to protest against police brutality, against the militarization of our local police departments, and against injustice everywhere. We stand in solidarity with others locally in calling for an immediate de-escalation of police aggression in Buffalo and an end to local curfews that deny us our basic rights to free speech and freedom of expression. We also call on elected leadership in Buffalo to defund the police. Yesterday, the Buffalo Common Council voted to approve a police budget that accounts for around a third of the total City budget while making cuts to other vital services. That ain’t right!
As the current situation evolves, we are hoping and praying that Martin undergoes a healthy and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and support are with Martin and his family–and every person impacted by police brutality, who Martin was there for–at this very serious time.
