Community leaders send message to youth

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Some leaders are gravely concerned that last week's shooting is in retaliation for another crime.

Violence building upon violence.

First Pastor Darius Pridgen called upon the youngsters in the room.

"Keep you living well, keep you living well," said Pridgen.

Then parents who lost a child to violence made their way onto the stage.

Shortly after, City leaders arrived.

The topic: retaliation.

News 4 sources say the latest killing of Ahmen Lester, could be revenge for last months city grill shootings.

Pastor Pridgen said, "It is rumored that it is retaliation."

Sunday morning at True Bethel Baptist Church,City leader's addressed the issue.

Their message to the youngsters was loud and clear.

"We were not created to kill one another. We were not created to hurt our neighbor. And the best revenge is success," added Pastor Pridgen.

Judge James McLeod of Buffalo City Court said, "Retaliation is not the way to go mediation and being able to talk out our problems is the only way that a positive result is going to occur."

Mayor Byron Brown says when his own son got into trouble last month, he lost a great opportunity.

Mayor Brown said, "The next day they googled it in the newspaper and they said we are taking it away."

I asked the Mayor if it was related to his son's education, but he would not give any other details.

"When you're going through something turn the other cheek. Think about your future. Think before you act," added Mayor Brown.

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Family reveals consequences of violence.

WNY community reacts to deadly violence.

"If I can get into the minds of some of these young people before it's to late. We don't want to turn our community into the OK Corral where it's OK to kill your brother," said Pastor Pridgen.

City leaders say the community cannot give up on the younger generation, but the violence must stop.

They agree that education and communication are two solutions.