EX-Fall River mayor stabbed in the neck outside his cannabis dispensary

Former Massachusetts Mayor Will Flanagan was recently stabbed in the neck outside a cannabis dispensary that he owns, according to police reports. Flanagan, 45, who served as the Democratic mayor of Fall River from 2010 to 2014, was attacked outside his Cosmopolitan Dispensary shortly after announcing his presence on social media.

The incident, which occurred around 5 p.m. on Monday, left Flanagan in serious but stable condition after being stabbed twice in the neck. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with the City of Fall River Police Department stating that Flanagan sustained significant injuries and that they are actively working to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

Flanagan, a former assistant district attorney, became Fall River’s youngest mayor at the age of 29 in 2009. However, his tenure was marred by controversy, including a recall by voters in 2014 following allegations that he had flashed a gun at a political rival, Jasiel Correia, who later succeeded him as mayor. Flanagan denied the accusation, and both parties settled their disputes through civil lawsuits in 2015.

Despite his political setbacks, Flanagan continued to pursue a career in law and even ventured into the entertainment industry, appearing in local films, including a recent horror movie. In July 2022, he opened the Cosmopolitan Dispensary, where the stabbing incident took place.

Flanagan’s vibrant social media presence, where he often promoted his dispensary and engaged with followers, has garnered attention. Just hours before the attack, he posted a video of himself singing on Facebook during a storm, inviting customers to visit the dispensary.

Following the incident, current Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan expressed his support for Flanagan and his family, emphasizing the city’s commitment to seeking justice in the case. Both Flanagan’s office and the Cosmopolitan Dispensary have yet to comment on the incident.

As the investigation unfolds, Flanagan’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity continue to shape his public image, leaving the community and authorities eager to uncover the truth behind the violent attack.