KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City firefighter-paramedic has died after being stabbed by a patient he was transporting to a hospital on Sunday morning, the Kansas City Fire Department said.
According to the Kansas City Police Department, just before 1 a.m., KCFD crews were dispatched to North Oak Trafficway and 152 Highway on a “routine medical call.”
KCPD said the call was for a welfare check after a woman was seen walking along the westbound lanes of 152 Highway.
When KCFD emergency responders arrived, they reportedly took the woman in the ambulance, but while en route to the hospital, the woman stabbed the firefighter-paramedic, later identified as Graham Hoffman, in the chest with an “edged weapon or sharp object.”
Hoffman’s partner stopped to help and take the woman into custody, but was also assaulted by the patient.
Both firefighters were taken to a hospital, with Hoffman originally reported to have suffered life-threatening injuries and his partner reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
However, on Sunday at about 3 p.m., the City of Kansas City released a statement confirming he had died at the hospital from his injuries. At a press conference Sunday afternoon, KCFD said that Hoffman was stabbed in the heart.
Hoffman was 29 years old and had served with KCFD since 2022.
At this time, the suspect/patient is in custody, KCPD said.
Early Sunday morning, Mayor Quinton Lucas took to social media following the incident. He said he had spent time with the firefighter’s family and KCFD crews
Additionally, he provided more details about the suspect, declaring that she has been identified and investigators are looking to see if she has any recent criminal history.
He added, “I also will expect serious charges matching the grievous harm she caused to someone working to provide her emergency medical care.”
The name of the suspect has not been released by law enforcement.
The City of Kansas City said KCFD will be providing support to all employees impacted by the tragedy, and that the city will be sharing additional information at 4 p.m. during a media briefing.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to NewsNation affiliate FOX4 News for the latest updates and information.