The protester who was pushed to the ground by Buffalo police Thursday night in front of City Hall in a video seen by more than 11.5 million is a longtime peace activist from Amherst.
Martin Gugino, 75, was in serious but stable condition at Erie County Medical Center as of Thursday night, according to police.
"He's a gentle person who really believes that he must stand up for what he thinks is right," said his friend Terrence Bisson, who has worked with Gugino on Latin American issues through the Western New York Peace Center.
"That's why he went to the demonstration. He would never resist physically any kind of orders," Bisson said. "He's a bit frail, not because of his age. He has some health problems."
Gugino grew up in Buffalo, moved to Cleveland where he worked in computer technology, before returning to Western New York where he has been involved in a broad array of issues ranging from nuclear disarmament to climate change and Guantanamo. He has a
YouTube channel with 35 subscribers in which he discusses such issues.