Niagara Falls Police Investigating Memorial Day Shooting on 16th Street that Left One Man Critically Injured by Gunshot to the Neck
Niagara Falls Police Investigating Memorial Day Shooting on 16th Street that Left One Man Critically Injured by Gunshot to the Neck
Niagara Falls, NY — May 26, 2025 — What began as a peaceful Memorial Day afternoon intended to honor fallen military heroes quickly turned into a scene of chaos, panic, and emergency response in the south end of Niagara Falls. Law enforcement officers are now actively investigating a shooting incident that occurred just after 5:00 p.m. in the 700 block of 16th Street — a normally quiet residential area that has now become the focal point of a major police inquiry.
According to early reports, officers with the Niagara Falls Police Department were dispatched to the neighborhood following multiple 911 calls that flooded dispatch with urgent reports of gunfire echoing through the community. The area, known for its tight-knit families and working-class roots, was suddenly the scene of a rapidly unfolding crime.
As officers raced to the location, information came through that a male victim — who at the time of this report has not been publicly identified — had already been transported by private vehicle to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Medical staff at the emergency room confirmed that the victim had sustained a single, critical gunshot wound to the neck. Given the complexity and severity of the injury, and in accordance with established trauma response protocol, the patient was stabilized and immediately transferred to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) in Buffalo. ECMC houses one of the region’s top Level I Trauma Centers and is better equipped to manage life-threatening gunshot wounds involving vital areas such as the head and neck.
Ongoing Investigation and Scene Management
Meanwhile, back at the scene of the shooting, a visible and escalating police presence descended on the 700 block of 16th Street. Officers cordoned off a wide perimeter around the presumed crime scene to prevent any potential contamination of evidence. Detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID), along with members of the Crime Scene Unit (CSU), began canvassing the area for witnesses, physical evidence, and surveillance footage that might offer insights into the incident.
Investigators could be seen photographing the scene, examining bullet casings, and speaking with visibly shaken residents and bystanders. While police have not confirmed how many shots were fired, neighbors reported hearing “at least five or six” distinct gunshots, followed by screams and the sound of a vehicle rapidly leaving the scene.
K-9 units were also deployed to assist in tracking any suspects who may have fled on foot, and police helicopters provided aerial surveillance in the minutes following the initial reports. However, no arrests had been made by Monday night, and police were still working to determine the motive and identify any potential suspects.
Community in Shock on a Day of Remembrance
The timing of the incident has only deepened the community’s sense of disbelief and sorrow. Memorial Day, a time traditionally reserved for honoring fallen U.S. military service members, was instead overshadowed by the specter of violence within a civilian neighborhood. Local leaders, community activists, and residents have already begun calling for unity, justice, and a renewed commitment to public safety.
“This should have been a day to reflect on the sacrifices of our military heroes — not to witness a young man fighting for his life from a senseless act of violence,” said one longtime neighborhood resident, who declined to be named out of concern for her safety. “We’re scared. We’re tired of the violence. And we want answers.”
Several residents told police and media that a small gathering had been taking place nearby at the time of the shooting — likely a Memorial Day cookout or family get-together. While investigators have not yet confirmed whether the shooting was connected to that gathering or if the victim was known to any of the attendees, witnesses said the area was “full of people” at the time, making it possible that someone may have seen the shooter.
Victim’s Condition Remains Critical
As of the latest update from Erie County Medical Center, the victim remains in critical condition. Medical professionals are reportedly working to manage complications related to the trajectory of the bullet, which passed through vital soft tissue in the neck area. Whether the bullet damaged any major arteries or vertebrae has not been disclosed, but trauma surgeons are said to be closely monitoring neurological signs, potential paralysis, and airway integrity.
Due to patient privacy laws, the victim’s identity has not been released, and police have also withheld the name pending notification of family members. However, investigators have confirmed that he is an adult male and a resident of Niagara Falls.
Appeal for Public Assistance
The Niagara Falls Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting — no matter how seemingly minor — to come forward. This includes residents who may have home surveillance footage, dash cam video, or who witnessed suspicious activity in the hours before or after 5:00 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Niagara Falls Police Department’s confidential crime tip line, and investigators emphasize that any piece of information could prove crucial in solving this case.
A Growing Concern Over Gun Violence in Niagara Falls
This latest incident is not an isolated one in Niagara Falls, which has seen a troubling uptick in gun-related violence over the past year. Community organizers have raised alarms about youth involvement in gang activity, access to illegal firearms, and the social conditions that fuel violent encounters — especially during holiday weekends, when tensions and gatherings often collide.
Local officials, including members of the city council and Mayor Robert Restaino, have pledged to support a full investigation and reinforce preventive measures. In a statement released Monday night, Mayor Restaino said:
“This tragic shooting on what should have been a day of solemn remembrance is yet another painful reminder that our work to ensure the safety and well-being of every Niagara Falls resident is far from over. We are committed to providing our police department with every resource it needs and to engaging with our community in meaningful dialogue and action.”
What Happens Next
As of Tuesday morning, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are reviewing evidence, waiting for updates on the victim’s medical condition, and hoping for cooperation from the community. For now, residents of the 16th Street neighborhood are left to cope with the trauma and uncertainty left in the wake of yet another act of violence that has disrupted their peace and sense of security.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Niagara Falls Police at (716) 286-4711 or submit tips via the department’s online portal.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
