Erie County creates multi-agency threat assessment team to ‘fill cracks’ after mass shooting

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Erie County Sheriff John Garcia on Thursday announced the creation of a multi-organizational effort to combat domestic terrorism and other threats in light of the Buffalo supermarket mass shooting.

Garcia announced a group of law enforcement professionals will form a new Behavioral Threat Assessment Team. He called the unit a “central clearinghouse of information.”

Buffalo shooter had mental health evaluation after threatening his high school last June

“We’ve witnessed many tragedies where the perpetrators have fallen through the cracks,” Garcia said. ” … Today, we begin filling those cracks with a specialized team of trained professionals that will analyze data, look for indicators and share information. No one agency, organization or company can manage the undertaking and be successful. That’s why we assembled this team.”

Garcia said the multi-agency group will create a website, mobile app and other methods for community members to make anonymous tips. “If you see it, say something,” Garcia said.

Garcia said an example of what the team will do could be following up with teachers, family and community members after a school threat is made. The person may be released from observation after 24 hours, Garcia said, but he hopes the group will pick up the work after that point.

Garcia’s example is reminiscent of the situation involving the Buffalo shooting suspect, who was given a mental health evaluation after making a threat at his high school last year.

You can watch the press conference in the video player above.

This is a developing story, check back for updates