Buffalo can reject the death penalty without turning away from victims

Across the US and WNY, Americans are watching the federal death penalty trial in Buffalo and organizing for justice against state-sanctioned killing.

Get Involved Donate Through Our Partner

Federal courthouse watchJury questionnaires have begun in the Buffalo federal death penalty case.

Life without parole already imposedThe defendant is serving state sentences of life without parole.

New York has rejected capital punishmentThe current death penalty case is federal, not state.

Why This Matters Now

A local movement, not a news archive.

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

Murray Holman and Paul McQuillen speaking with local press beside signs opposing the death penalty — Murray Holman, Coalition Coordinator, and Paul McQuillen, Coalition Chair

Current Buffalo Updates

Follow the local trial context, courthouse actions, and policy updates that shape the coalition’s work.

National analysis

Marshall Project finds the modern death penalty still broken after 50 years

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

Photo Courtesy Glenn E. Murray, Attorney, Buffalo

Buffalo courthouse watch

Jury selection begins in Buffalo federal death penalty trial

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

Breaking News

Local action

WNY Coalition launches campaign as jury selection begins

Local coverage quoted Paul McQuillen and Murray Holman on life without parole, community healing, and better uses for public resources.

Read Buffalo News

National policy

Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act reintroduced

The coalition highlights work by Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Death Penalty Action to end federal capital punishment.

Read Coalition update

Donate With Clarity

Gifts are processed through Death Penalty Action for the Western NY effort.

The coalition partners with Death Penalty Action for advocacy support and donation processing. The button takes supporters to the Western NY ActBlue donation page.

Donate Through Our Partner