Rochester Teen Charged For Having Gun At Anti-Gun Violence Rally

A teen from Rochester has been charged with possession of a gun at an anti-gun violence event in Buffalo. Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced that the 19-year-old man was arraigned on the morning of Sunday, June 12, 2022, before Buffalo City Court Judge Phillip Dabney. Amauri Smith of Rochester is facing a charge of one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

On Saturday, June 11, 2022, just after noon, Smith was spotted by officers with the Buffalo Police Department walking on Jefferson Avenue near Glenwood Avenue. The Buffalo “March for Our Lives” anti-gun violence event was taking place during that time. Officers allegedly saw what looked like a firearm in the pockets of the defendant's shorts. When officers confronted Smith, they found an illegal, loaded handgun in his pocket.

Smith is due back in court on Friday, June 17, 2022, at 9:30 am for a felony hearing. His bail was set at $20,000 cash, bond or partially secured bond. He is facing up to 15 years in prison, if he is convicted.

The March for Our Lives rally was held locally, in conjunction with other rallies around the country. WGRZ described the rally as an event that brought together people who are tired of gun violence,

All backgrounds. All ages. All united. To make their case for meaningful change when it comes to gun violence and the deadly spasms it has inflicted on this country and its people. The crowd's chant of "not one more" filled the air during the procession down Jefferson Avenue, and they want nothing less than to get their ultimate message to lawmakers and law enforcement and judges with this probing question beyond the headlines.