Ex-Mayor Stabbed in Shocking Blue State Attack: Repeat Offender Charged

A former Massachusetts mayor has been stabbed outside his own cannabis dispensary, as confirmed by authorities.

Will Flanagan, aged 45, held the position of Democratic mayor in Fall River from 2010 to 2014. His term ended after a recall election when allegations surfaced that he had brandished a gun during an argument with political opponent Jasiel Correia, The Herald News reports. The incident took place around 5 p.m. on Monday at Cosmopolitan Dispensary, a business owned by Flanagan, according to the Fall River Police Department.

Police stated that Flanagan sustained “significant injuries” and was promptly taken to a hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition.

On Tuesday afternoon, Fall River police revealed that Corree Gonzales, 31, had been arrested in relation to the stabbing.

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan said in a statement he was praying for Flanagan.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Former Mayor Will Flanagan, his family, and friends. The full support of the Mayor’s Office is with the Fall River Police Department as they work tirelessly to bring justice in this case. We stand firmly behind Chief Kelly Furtado, and the dedicated men and women of the FRPD as they continue this active investigation,” Coogan said.

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.” 

Coogan said the suspect suffers from mental health issues and has been arrested several times in the past decade, according to WHDH.

“I’m not so much concerned about his criminal past, I’m concerned about his mental health and his ability to reintegrate into society,” Coogan said.

According to The Herald News, Flanagan recently developed a side hustle as a local film performer in addition to being an attorney.

Hours before the stabbing, Flanagan recorded a video of himself signing “Blame it on the Rain” during a storm that was moving through the area.