Three Stabbed During Fight at New Bedford’s Whaling City Festival

UPDATE: The Whaling City Festival has increased police presence and will close an hour earlier on Sunday.

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford Police are investigating after three people were stabbed in the area of the Whaling City Festival at Buttonwood Park earlier this evening.

Active Investigation at Buttonwood Park

According to a police Facebook post, officers responded at about 8:45 p.m. to the festival for a reported disturbance.

Police said officers learned a fight had broken out at the festival, and that three people were stabbed as a result. The three individuals were taken to the hospital for treatment. Their condition was not released.

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Police Presence at St. Luke’s Hospital

Other online reports indicated a large police presence outside of St. Luke’s Hospital following the incident.

Further Details to Come

Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing, and that more information will be released as it becomes available.

Mayor Mitchell Issues a Statement on Triple Stabbing

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell posted a statement on the City’s Facebook page on Sunday.

“Last night’s incident at the Whaling City Festival is unacceptable, especially at what purports to be a family oriented event,” he said. “The police department and other relevant city agencies will conduct a full review of the festival’s safety protocols, including whether a closing time after dusk is appropriate, and will determine what additional measures must be in place. In the meantime, the police department has ordered the festival to close tonight at 8 p.m.”