WNYers show support for SAFE Act

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Supporters of New York’s stricter gun control laws are stepping up to make their voices heard. Monday some western New Yorkers braved the cold and snow to send a message in support of the state’s tough new gun laws.

Dozens of people gathered at Martin Luther King Park to show support for New York’s new gun law, the SAFE Act. Advocates say enough is enough, they want guns off the streets and violence to stop.

"We've had enough gun violence, enough senseless death, enough easy access to dangerous weapons by dangerous people,” said Amy Wallace, of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense.

A number of Kaleida Health Emergency Room workers were at the rally. They see they toll gun violence can take.

"What folks who work in the Emergency Rooms see is heartbreaking and hardening at the same time,” said Bill Covington, of SEIU Local 1199.

Also of SEIU Local 1199, Franchelle Hart said, “There's been a rise of gang violence actually in the ER. Sometimes if you have gang victims from two opposing gangs in the emergency room."

Hart said, “It's hard to care for someone when you also have to combat the violence.”

Hart and others say the SAFE Act is not perfect but it’s helpful.