A 32-year-old Halifax man is facing attempted murder charges after a stabbing at the QEII in Halifax.
It happened Wednesday afternoon after the suspect brought a knife into the emergency department.
According to police, the man who was receiving care stabbed two people in the emergency room and injured two others by throwing objects at them.
One victim has significant injuries.
The ER shutdown normal operations for hours, only accepting life-threatening emergencies while police remained on scene.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court Thursday facing nine charges including attempted murder, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Security a big issue
Three of the victims were staff, two are members of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU).
President of the NSGEU, Sandra Mullens tells our newsroom that members have had some serious security concerns for years.
“They’ve identified long ago that there needs to be more security in place preventing these weapons from coming into the sites. And case in point, yesterday, it was a weapon used.”
Mullens says as much as they encourage signs to be posted discouraging disrespectable behavior, having to defend yourself against a weapon, is “extreme”.
“Police often have to be called to come in and remove the weapons.”
Second weapons call made Thursday
Police were on scene at the QEII emergency department again Thursday afternoon for a weapons complaint.
HRP confirmed they responded to the QEII at approximately 1:30 p.m., for an irate person who was there receiving care.
Officers quickly determined there were no threats made and no criminality.
The investigation has been concluded, and there were no arrests made.
Next Steps
Mullens tells us the victims are seeking counselling and support, and future discussions will take place on other options on next steps.
