Yesterday, there was a brawl in Lafayette Square, which resulted in the arrival of several police officers to the area.
In March, the Buffalo and Erie County Library made the decision to adjust their operating hours for the downtown branch. The reason behind this change was the increase in student fights occurring on the premises.
Regrettably, this occurrence continues to take place on a frequent basis, ranging from weekly to even daily incidents.
Yesterday’s fight took place near Lafayette Square, right next to The Central Library in Buffalo.
The city has taken steps to curb it, but the fights are still happening
The city is taking action to address the fights in a variety of ways. One example is the presence of the Buffalo Peacemakers, a dedicated group that mentors youth and guides them towards healthier lifestyles. They can often be found in the square and near the library entrance, offering support and guidance. Additionally, Buffalo Police officers and occasionally Erie County Sheriffs are present, ensuring a strong law enforcement presence.
Why are there so many fights?
Fights seem to be occurring among school-age children. Initially, it may appear as though they are just engaging in rough play, but things quickly escalate into full-blown brawls involving large groups of individuals, sometimes numbering 20, 30, or even more.
Yesterday, there appeared to be a crowd of around 50-75 individuals involved in the incident. The police were actively intervening to prevent fights from escalating. However, as they focused on one fight, another would erupt. A few altercations even spilled onto the street as people were leaving work. At its peak, the situation required the presence of approximately 14 police cars in and around Lafayette Square in an effort to restore order.
After the fight, everyone eventually dispersed, as you can see in the video below.