A dramatic incident unfolded outside a Massachusetts cannabis dispensary on Monday afternoon, where former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan was brutally attacked. Captured on video, the altercation occurred around 5 p.m. when Flanagan, who owns the Cosmopolitan Dispensary, was viciously stabbed multiple times by an assailant.
According to police reports, the 45-year-old former Democratic mayor sustained severe injuries during the assault. He was rushed to the hospital where his condition was described as serious but stable. Despite the gravity of his wounds, Flanagan’s resilience was evident as he managed to get up and seek help after the attacker fled the scene.
Surveillance footage from a nearby establishment provides a chilling view of the attack. It shows Flanagan being approached and stabbed by a man who then quickly escaped. The aftermath sees the injured Flanagan struggling but determined to find assistance.
Authorities have since apprehended 31-year-old Corree Gonzales in connection with the crime. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan revealed that Gonzales has a known criminal history, yet Coogan’s primary concerns lie with the suspect’s mental health and potential to reintegrate into society.
Will Flanagan, whose tenure as mayor lasted from 2010 to 2014, remains hospitalized. He is currently on a ventilator and is expected to undergo further surgery, according to updates from WPRI.
The attack has sent ripples of shock through the community, as Flanagan, a prominent figure in Fall River, continues to fight for his recovery. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about safety and mental health issues within the community.
While charges relating to the stabbing are pending, Gonzales faces four counts of assault and battery on a police officer. Gonzales is being held without bail at the Bridgewater State Hospital after a doctor testified that Gonzales has a serious mental illness.
Flanagan was the Democratic mayor of Fall River from 2010 until 2014, when he faced a recall election after being accused of showing a gun to one of his political rivals, Jasiel Correia, according to The Herald News.
Will Flanagan was stabbed outside of his cannabis dispensary Monday. (Will Flanagan/Facebook and X)
Fall River Police Chief Kelly Furtado said patrol officers and detectives “responded swiftly” to what she called a “senseless act of violence.”
“We will exhaust every resource to ensure justice is served,” she said. “I want to thank the Mayor’s Office for their continued support as we move forward with this investigation.”
Security video shows the stabbing suspect fleeing the scene. (Benitez Duwal Sorto via Storyful)
According to The Herald News, Flanagan recently developed a side gig as a local film performer in addition to being an attorney.
Hours before the stabbing, Flanagan recorded a video of himself singing “Blame it on the Rain” during a storm that was moving through the area.
