Authorities in Fall River, Massachusetts, have arrested a suspect following a violent stabbing attack on former Mayor Will Flanagan outside his place of business Monday afternoon.
Surveillance Footage Captures Sudden Assault
Police confirmed Tuesday that former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan was seriously injured in a stabbing incident that occurred near his business, the Cosmopolitan Dispensary, on Hartwell Street.
Newly released surveillance video shows the sudden and chaotic moment of the attack. The footage, reviewed by investigators, depicts a man approaching Flanagan from behind before lunging at him several times near the head and neck.
Flanagan, visibly startled, appears to raise his arms to defend himself as he struggles with the assailant before collapsing to the ground. The attacker then runs across the street, leaving Flanagan wounded on the sidewalk.
Witnesses can be seen rushing to help as Flanagan, dazed and bleeding, manages to stand and stagger toward a nearby apartment complex, where bystanders called for medical assistance.
Police Respond Quickly; Suspect Arrested
Fall River Police officers and emergency responders arrived within minutes. Flanagan was transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors listed his condition as serious but stable.
Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Corree Gonzales, a local resident with a reported history of mental health challenges.
Police say Gonzales was taken into custody early Tuesday morning following a brief struggle with officers. During the arrest, he allegedly resisted and assaulted several members of law enforcement, resulting in four counts of assault and battery on a police officer, in addition to charges connected to the stabbing.
He is scheduled to undergo a court-ordered mental health evaluation before formal arraignment.
Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan said in a press conference that Gonzales was known to local authorities. “Preliminary reports indicate this individual has had prior mental health issues,” Coogan stated. “This appears to be an isolated incident and not politically motivated.”
Eyewitnesses Describe a Chaotic Scene
Several witnesses who were near the area recounted the moment of the attack.
“I saw a guy mumbling to himself, walking back and forth,” said Karen Cange, a bystander who was just a few feet away. “Then he came up to the mayor, brushed against him, and suddenly started stabbing him. It all happened so fast.”
Cange said the former mayor tried to defend himself but quickly fell to the ground. “He was bleeding everywhere. It was shocking,” she added. “He called 911 right away — he was calm even though he was hurt badly. He’s a good guy. I just hope he recovers fully.”
Witnesses said the suspect fled the scene on foot but did not appear to have a vehicle nearby. Police located him later that evening through a combination of surveillance footage and neighborhood tips.
Background on Will Flanagan
Will Flanagan, 43, served as the Mayor of Fall River from 2010 to 2014. A lifelong resident of the city, he was first elected on a campaign focused on local economic development and crime prevention.
Flanagan’s administration saw both praise and controversy — he was credited for revitalizing parts of the city’s business district but faced a recall vote in 2014 that ended his time in office.
Since leaving politics, Flanagan has pursued a career in law and business. In recent years, he opened the Cosmopolitan Dispensary, a licensed cannabis business located in downtown Fall River. He has remained active in community service and has occasionally provided legal commentary for local media outlets.
Colleagues and residents alike described him as approachable, civic-minded, and passionate about his city’s growth.
“He’s always been dedicated to Fall River,” said a former city council member who worked with him during his tenure. “To hear that this happened right outside his business — it’s heartbreaking.”
Police Continue Investigation
Fall River Police Chief Roger Correia confirmed that detectives are reviewing additional footage from surrounding buildings and businesses to reconstruct the suspect’s movements before and after the attack.
“At this stage, we believe Mr. Flanagan was the intended target, but there’s no indication this was premeditated or politically motivated,” Correia said. “We’re looking at all possible angles, including the suspect’s mental health background and prior interactions with law enforcement.”
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office has joined the investigation, and prosecutors are expected to decide on formal charges following the mental health evaluation.
Police have also increased patrols around downtown businesses as a precaution, though officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Community Response
News of the attack spread quickly throughout Fall River, prompting messages of support for Flanagan from local leaders and residents.
Current Mayor Paul Coogan called the incident “deeply disturbing” and said the community stands with Flanagan and his family. “We’re grateful for the quick response from first responders and for the bystanders who stepped up to help,” Coogan said.
Several city officials and residents posted messages on social media wishing the former mayor a full recovery. The Fall River Chamber of Commerce issued a statement expressing shock and solidarity, noting that Flanagan “remains a respected member of the business community who has continued to contribute to the city’s development.”
Mental Health and Public Safety Concerns
The case has reignited local discussions about mental health intervention and public safety, especially in densely populated downtown areas.
Several residents have called for expanded outreach programs for individuals struggling with untreated mental illness. “We see people on the streets who clearly need help,” one local business owner said. “This tragedy just shows how urgent that need is.”
Experts note that violent incidents involving individuals with untreated psychiatric conditions are rare but can have devastating consequences when they occur. Massachusetts has expanded community-based treatment programs in recent years, though advocates argue that resources remain limited.
Flanagan’s Recovery and Outlook
Hospital officials have not released further details about Flanagan’s condition, but sources familiar with his care say he is expected to recover fully.
Family members issued a brief statement thanking supporters and law enforcement officers for their quick response. “Will is grateful for the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the Fall River community,” the statement read. “He’s focusing on his recovery and looks forward to returning to work soon.”
Flanagan’s business, the Cosmopolitan Dispensary, remained closed on Tuesday but is expected to reopen later this week.
A Community Shaken, But Resilient
For Fall River, a city with a long history of political turbulence and resilience, the attack on a former mayor has served as a sobering reminder of how quickly violence can strike even in familiar surroundings.
Local residents have begun organizing a candlelight vigil for Thursday evening near City Hall to show support for Flanagan and to call for greater unity in the community.
As Mayor Coogan put it: “We’ve faced challenges before, and we’ll get through this together. The people of Fall River look out for one another — and that’s what makes our city strong.”