Statement by the Reverend Lewis W. Stewart on the Shooting of Rochester Police Officers on Bauman Street

We have learned that two Rochester police officers who were on duty on Bauman Street were seriously wounded by gun fire by an unknown assailant, and likewise a bystander was wounded.

We are praying for these individuals and their families. On this week, there were several more murders and woundings by gun violence.

We are asking the community that if you have any information concerning the perpetrator or any perpetrators of gun violence in our community to please contact the proper authorities immediately. We must get these killers off the streets and make our community safe. Public safety is vital. We are under siege.

The plague of gun violence is rampant, vicious, and sickening. It can not and must not be tolerated. Those who callously assault others with the intent purpose of depriving them of their precious lives must be punished quickly and severely.

We support Mayor Evans and Chief Smith in their implementation of plans to stem the plague of violence in our community. Gun violence is a public health problem.

Again, we lift up prayers for these officers, who put their lives on the line, the victims of gun violence, and our community.

For more information, please contact Rev. Lewis Stewart, President of UCLM (585) 402-9785.