Former Massachusetts Mayor Stabbed Outside Dispensary

New footage has emerged showing the moment when former Fall River Mayor, Will Flanagan, was attacked outside a marijuana dispensary on Monday afternoon.

According to police reports, the 45-year-old Democratic mayor was stabbed multiple times at the Cosmopolitan Pharmacy around 5 p.m. that day. Authorities stated that Flanagan sustained “serious injuries” and was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.

Security cameras across the street captured a man charging at Flanagan and stabbing him repeatedly. Following the attack, Flanagan fell behind a vehicle but managed to get back up shortly after, calling for assistance as the assailant fled the scene.

Currently hospitalized and on a ventilator, Flanagan is expected to undergo another surgery. Police apprehended 31-year-old Cory Gonzalez in connection with the stabbing. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan noted that Gonzalez has previous criminal charges.

Coogan expressed a different concern regarding Gonzalez, focusing more on his mental well-being rather than just his criminal record. She reflected on how “it’s not his criminal history that worries me, but his mental health and capacity to reintegrate into society.”

While charges related to the stabbing are still pending, Gonzalez is already facing four counts of assault and battery against a police officer. Currently, he is detained at Bridgewater State Hospital due to severe mental health issues.

Flanagan served as the mayor of Fall River from 2010 to 2014, a period during which he faced a recall election after allegedly brandishing a firearm at political rival Jasiel Correia.

Fall River Police Chief Kelly Furtado condemned the incident as a “senseless act of violence,” assuring the public that every resource would be used to seek justice in this case. She thanked the Mayor’s Office for their ongoing support in the investigation.

Interestingly, just hours before the stabbing, Flanagan had recorded a video of himself singing “It’s Because of the Rain” while a storm passed through the area. In addition to his legal career, he had recently taken up a role as a local film performer.