JMere Smith, a young man from Rochester, New York, has been identified as the victim of the fatal shooting that occurred at the Wegmans warehouse facility on Brooks Avenue in Gates on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Authorities responded to the scene around 4:15 p.m. following reports of gunfire inside the distribution center. Upon arrival, officers found Smith deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. Smith, in his twenties, was a Wegmans employee at the time of the incident.
According to Gates Police Chief Robert Long, the suspect fled the area immediately after the shooting, and no arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials believing the shooting was targeted rather than random.
Chief Long stated that there is currently no known threat to the public, the business community, or nearby airport operations. The tragedy has drawn widespread attention, especially given that it occurred just days after a separate and unrelated shooting incident at an Amazon facility in the same town.
- Full name: Jmere Smith.
- Age: 20
- Date of death: Reported date is Saturday, July 26, 2025, around 4:15 p.m., based on official emergency response times.
- Cause of death: Death by gunshot wound, officially a shooting—no further medical or autopsy details released.
Wegmans released a statement expressing its deep sorrow over the loss of one of its team members and extended condolences to the victim’s family and coworkers, adding that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Community reactions have reflected shock and grief, as Smith’s death marks a disturbing moment for a company known for its strong local roots and employee-focused culture. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Gates Police Department or Crime Stoppers as authorities work to bring the perpetrator to justice.