Man charged with attempted murder after 2 Halifax hospital employees stabbed
A man has been charged with nine offences, including attempted murder and aggravated assault, following a violent attack on several health-care workers in the emergency room of the Halifax Infirmary. Nicholas Robert Coulombe, 32, is set to appear in Halifax provincial court today in relation to the incident.
The attack occurred on Wednesday afternoon when Coulombe allegedly stabbed two individuals in the emergency room and injured two others by throwing objects at them. One of the employees who was stabbed is said to be in critical condition, according to sources.
Halifax Regional Police responded to a call about a man with a knife at the hospital around 1 p.m. on Wednesday and apprehended the suspect at the scene. As a result of the incident, the emergency department was closed for several hours to all but those with life-threatening injuries. Normal operations resumed around 6 p.m. that evening.
Coulombe had previously been ordered to vacate five encampment sites around Halifax by the municipality last February. At the time, he was residing in a tent outside the city hall building in Grand Parade. When asked by CBC News about where he would go following the eviction notice, Coulombe expressed uncertainty.
This disturbing incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by healthcare workers in their line of duty. The safety and well-being of these dedicated professionals must be a top priority in all healthcare settings.
