A man has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, following a violent stabbing incident at the Halifax Innfirmary on January 30, 2025. The assault left two healthcare workers seriously injured and raised urgent questions about hospital security measures.
According to Halifax Regional Police, officers responded to reports of a man wielding a knife at the hospital around 1 p.m. Nicholas Robert Coulombe, 32, who was receiving treatment as a patient, allegedly attacked two staff members, stabbing them and injuring two others by throwing objects. One of the stabbing victims sustained significant injuries.
"At approximately 1:10 p.m., officers located and arrested the man on scene without incident," the police reported. Coulombe now faces nine charges: one count of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault, three counts of assault with a weapon, and two counts of possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes.
While police focused on the details surrounding the arrest, Nova Scotia Health released information confirming the stability of one of the injured workers. "The person was in stable condition at the hospital," noted CEO Karen Oldfield.
The violent event prompted swift reactions, including the establishment of a GoFundMe campaign for one of the victims, Peter Shirley. Organized by his colleague Selena Carriere, the fundraiser aims to alleviate financial burdens during his recovery process.
“Our friend and coworker, Peter, was injured... we’re asking for your help. Any donation, big or small, will ease this financial burden,” Carriere stated, reflecting the urgency felt among community members. The crowdfunding goal of $10,000 was surpassed within days, demonstrating significant support for Shirley.
Following the incident, Sandra Mullen, president of the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU), underscored the longstanding security concerns at the hospital. She indicated the need for improved protective measures, stating, "Safety has long been at issue at the hospital. We had formalized some recommendations, but security was No. 1." Mullen previously advocated for wearable panic devices and increased security staff, as well as separate waiting areas for individuals with mental health issues to reduce potential tensions.
Now, following the attack, Mullen has called for even stricter security measures, including the installation of metal detectors at the emergency department entrance. “Long wait times can lead to behavior from patients...,” she noted, stressing the need for timely responses to maintain safety.
Karen Oldfield echoed these sentiments, mentioning, “The last thing we want to do is have a lineup out the door of people waiting to get through a metal detector... we’re going to find something... to help us provide a safe and secure workplace.” Consideration is being made for portable metal detectors and possibly stationing police officers on-site.
Regarding overall safety, Health PEI is taking measures to implement strategies aimed at preventing workplace violence across all their sites, which includes infrastructure improvements, staff training, and support systems for clinicians.
After the attack, investigations involving Halifax police, Nova Scotia Health's security team, and Occupational Health and Safety were launched. A comprehensive quality improvement review is underway, emphasizing the importance of reviewing the protocols surrounding such violent incidents.
While the immediate focus rests on recovery for the injured and legal proceedings against Coulombe, the incident serves as starker reminder of the risks healthcare providers face daily, sparking community outreach efforts for safety improvements and financial support for victims.
Meanwhile, community members and officials alike are left to ponder the unsettling reality: how can we best protect those who tirelessly care for others during their most vulnerable moments?