HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A man is recovering after being stabbed while at the Huntington City Mission Dining Hall Thursday morning, mayor Patrick Farrell said in a statement.
A 48-year-old man is in facing charges in connection to the incident that left the victim in serious condition. Information about the suspect, including his name, has not been released at this time.
“This troubling incident takes place within the broader public health and safety crisis caused by homelessness and drugs. As I have said before, it is not a crime to be homeless. However, crimes such as trespassing, arson, and aggravated assault cannot be tolerated. The combination of cold weather and an increasing unsheltered population is straining city resources, and it is clear that something must be done,” Farrell’s statement Thursday
The stabbing comes at a time when the mayor, who is less than a month into his first term, says he is working to find a balance between public safety having compassion for those who are unsheltered. On January 7 a vacant commercial building caught fire. Farrell said that seven people were living in the building, who were not authorized to be there…