FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — A Massachusetts lawmaker has introduced legislation in response to the brutal October stabbing of former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan.
A press release by Flanagan said the bill, called “Flanagan’s Law,” intends to stop violent acts by those who suffer from mental illness and have a criminal history. The legislation was introduced by state Rep. Alan Silvia, a Fall River Democrat.
BACKGROUND: ‘You should be covering my funeral right now’: Former Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan details stabbing, urges change
The morning after the stabbing, Fall River police arrested 31-year-old Coree Gonzalez, who current Mayor Paul Coogan previously told 12 News has “severe mental issues.”
Surveillance video released by police showed a person approaching Flanagan from behind and stabbing him multiple times. The incident happened near Flanagan’s cannabis dispensary on Hartwell Street…