Responding to the arrests of four teens planning an attack at the Gateway-Longview child and family services agency in Amherst, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 200United, the union representing agency staff, congratulated their members on uncovering the plot in its early stages.  “I would like to recognize our members at Gateway-Longview for their vigilance and professionalism in catching this plot in its early stages and then working cooperatively with agency management and the police to deliver these young people to the custody of the authorities before any harm could come to staff or residents,” said Jerry Dennis, statewide President of Local 200United.

After finding a note outlining a planned attack on agency workers, staff notified Gateway-Longview’s management and uncovered weapons that one resident tried to smuggle onto campus Tuesday evening.  That resident, identified as16-year-old Jonathan Padilla of Buffalo, was detained and ultimately turned over to police Wednesday morning.  Three other teens, aged 13, 14, and 15 were subsequently determined to be involved and all four have been placed under arrest.

“Our members working in agencies like Gateway-Longview face challenges every day,” said President Dennis, “fortunately they rarely face serious mortal danger because of the diligence and dedication they bring to the job.”

Local 200United members will continue to cooperate with management and the authorities as the case proceeds.