WNY Coalition Against the Death PenaltyDonateWith executions scheduled in Tennessee, Alabama, and Oklahoma, faith communities gathered to toll a historic bell and call for mercy. Their witness carries the same message heard in Buffalo: execution is not the answer.
To take a life when a life has been lost is revenge, not justice.Desmond Tutu
Why This Matters Now
The coalition exists to make sure Western New Yorkers understand what is happening in federal court and why execution is not necessary for accountability, safety, or healing.
We know what’s going on. We’re paying attention. And we’re educating people that the death penalty is not necessary in this case and that we oppose it under all circumstances.Paul McQuillen, Chair
We got to let God have his way here.Murray Holman, Coalition Coordinator
Follow the local trial context, courthouse actions, and policy updates that shape the coalition’s work.
Photo Courtesy Glenn E. Murray, Attorney, Buffalo
Buffalo courthouse update
A live video feed will give victims’ families and the public additional access as the federal death penalty case moves toward jury selection.
Read Coalition update
Buffalo federal case
The Justice Department’s victim-notification page lists jury selection in the federal Payton Gendron case for August 17, 2026, with case updates and support contacts for victims and survivors.
Read U.S. Attorney’s Office, W.D.N.Y.
Breaking NewsLocal action
Local coverage quoted Paul McQuillen and Murray Holman on life without parole, community healing, and better uses for public resources.
Read Buffalo News
National analysis
A new analysis of more than 9,000 death sentences since Gregg v. Georgia shows the same problems remain: racial disparities, arbitrary outcomes, decades of delay, and innocence risk.
Read The Marshall Project
National policy
The House bill would end federal death sentences and require resentencing for people already on federal death row.
Read Coalition updatePhoto Courtesy Glenn E. Murray, Attorney, Buffalo
Buffalo courthouse watch
As potential jurors reported to federal court, coalition members gathered in Niagara Square to ring the bell and publicly oppose execution.
Read Spectrum News 1
National policy
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urged lawmakers to abolish the death penalty, saying it is not a deterrent to murder and can no longer be morally justified.
Read The GuardianDonate With Clarity
The coalition partners with Death Penalty Action for advocacy support and donation processing. The button takes supporters to the Western NY ActBlue donation page.
Local and national partners give the movement reach, credibility, and community roots.
Learn Before You Act
People arrive with grief, anger, uncertainty, and moral questions. Good education gives them a place to start.
Explore Resources
Mark Talley
Heather Holmes
Helen Prejean, C.S.J.
Sister Helen Prejean
Justice Stephen Breyer
Scott Turow
Bryan Stevenson
Jennifer Berry Hawes
Rev. Sharon Risher with Sherri Wood Emmons
Volunteer, ask a question, invite the coalition to speak, or help fund local public education.