Man killed at memorial gathering in Niagara Falls, police searching for suspect

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — Niagara Falls Police are searching for the person responsible for a shooting that killed a man at a memorial gathering Saturday night.Officers were dispatched to the 449 area of 9th Street around 8:50 p.m. for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, police say they found a man on the front lawn who had been shot multiple times in the chest.

Police say they performed life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.It is alleged that a man dressed in all black was seen running south on the 400 block of 9th Street. Anyone with information or video should contact the Criminal Investigation Division at (716) 286-4553 or the General Information Number at (716) 286-4711.**Man Killed at Memorial Gathering in Niagara Falls, Police Searching for Suspect**

In a shocking and tragic incident that has left the community of Niagara Falls grappling with grief and disbelief, a man was fatally shot during a memorial gathering on the evening of April 4, 2025. The shooting, which occurred at a gathering of friends and family in a quiet neighborhood, has raised concerns about safety in the area and sparked an intense police investigation as authorities search for the suspect responsible for the killing.

The Incident

The violence unfolded at around 8:30 p.m. when a large group of people had gathered at a home in the 600 block of Ferry Street, a residential area that has long been considered a peaceful part of the city. The gathering was initially meant to honor a local individual who had recently passed away. It was a memorial, a time to reflect and mourn. Unfortunately, what should have been a solemn event turned into a horrific crime scene.

Witnesses describe the situation as chaotic and frightening. According to reports, there were at least 30 individuals present at the gathering when a suspect, whose identity remains unknown, arrived at the scene. The individual then began to argue with one of the attendees, and the dispute quickly escalated. Moments later, gunfire rang out, striking the victim, a man in his late twenties, multiple times. He collapsed almost immediately, and several bystanders rushed to attempt to provide assistance while others called emergency services.

Police and paramedics arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, but the victim was pronounced dead shortly before 9:00 p.m. The tragic incident left those in attendance shaken, and authorities have now launched an extensive manhunt to locate the suspect.

### Community in Shock

The Niagara Falls community has been left in shock by the brutal nature of the crime. Local residents, who describe the area as generally safe and quiet, have been struggling to come to terms with the violence that occurred just steps from their homes. Many were shocked not only by the murder itself but by the fact that it occurred at a memorial gathering, which is usually a time for reflection and peaceful remembrance.

“It’s just unimaginable,” said one neighbor, who did not want to be named. “This is a nice area. We don’t hear about things like this happening here, especially not during something like a memorial. It’s just so tragic.”

Others in the community expressed their disbelief over the loss of life and their concerns about the safety of the area. Some parents in the neighborhood reported having their children’s school events and activities nearby and worried about the rising tension in the community, especially after a tragic shooting like this.

### Police Response and Investigation

The Niagara Falls Police Department has responded swiftly to the incident, immediately launching a homicide investigation. As of now, the authorities have not released many details about the suspect but have stated that they are actively searching for the individual responsible for the shooting. The police have issued an appeal to the public for any information that may assist in locating the suspect, who is believed to have fled the scene on foot after the shooting.

“This is a senseless act of violence, and we are committed to finding the individual responsible,” said Police Chief Brian O’Connor in a statement issued shortly after the incident. “We are asking anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. Every detail helps in our pursuit of justice.”

Several police units, including forensic experts, have been working tirelessly at the scene, gathering evidence and speaking to witnesses. Authorities are also reviewing security footage from nearby cameras to gather more clues about the suspect’s identity and the moments leading up to the shooting. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the suspect remains at large, and police have warned the public to be cautious, particularly in areas surrounding the crime scene.

### Memorial Turns to Tragedy

The victim’s identity has not yet been publicly revealed, but it is understood that he was a well-known member of the local community. Sources close to the family have described the victim as someone who was deeply connected to his neighborhood and was loved by many who knew him. He had reportedly attended the memorial gathering to honor a close family member who had recently passed away. Those who knew the victim have expressed their shock and sorrow, calling the loss incomprehensible and devastating.

One of the attendees at the gathering, who also wished to remain anonymous, spoke about the victim and the scene of the crime. “He was such a good guy,” the witness said. “He didn’t deserve this. No one did. We were just there to remember someone we lost, and then this happened.”

The victim’s family is now facing the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one in such a violent and tragic manner, especially during what should have been a peaceful occasion. Friends and family have taken to social media to express their sorrow and to offer condolences to those grieving the loss. Many have also shared messages calling for justice for the victim, hoping the suspect will be apprehended soon.

### The Impact on Niagara Falls

This incident marks a significant escalation in violent crime in Niagara Falls, a city that has traditionally had low crime rates compared to other urban areas in the region. While the city has experienced sporadic incidents of violence in recent years, this killing, particularly one that occurred at a memorial gathering, has shaken the sense of safety and security that residents once felt.

The Niagara Falls Police Department has reassured the community that additional resources are being dedicated to the investigation, but residents are still worried about what the future holds. Concerns have been raised about the potential for more violence in the area if the suspect is not quickly apprehended. Local organizations, including neighborhood watch groups, are also stepping up efforts to keep the community safe and prevent further incidents.

Mayor Christine McNally has expressed her condolences to the victim’s family and reassured the public that the police department is working around the clock to solve the case. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim,” McNally said. “We will not rest until the person responsible for this senseless act is brought to justice.”

### A Call for Justice

As the investigation continues, residents and community leaders are calling for justice. They are urging anyone with information to step forward, hoping to bring closure to the family of the victim and to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.

In the meantime, the memory of the memorial gathering will be forever marred by the tragedy that unfolded that evening. While the community mourns the loss of one of their own, there is also a growing sense of resolve to ensure that the suspect is held accountable and that the safety of all residents is protected going forward.

As of now, the police continue their search for the suspect, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have promised to keep the public updated as more information becomes available. The entire city of Niagara Falls remains on edge, anxiously awaiting justice for the victim and a resolution to this horrific and heartbreaking incident.