Early Thursday afternoon on 9/3/15 major TV Stations converged on Perth Amboy with news vehicles and helicopters flying overhead. Usually, that is not a good sign, and that day this proved to be true. On that beautiful, clear, warm day a tragedy occurred. Two people were stabbed and one succumbed to his injuries. Who would expect in the early afternoon in the heart of the business district while people were out shopping, just strolling about, lunching, or just going about their daily business, that their pleasant afternoon would suddenly be turned into a scene of terror. I can’t imagine, especially with someone holding the hand of their young child that suddenly they would be thrust into a situation where they would be fearful for their lives.

A stabbing first occurred inside of a building on Madison Avenue and then suddenly the perpetrator appeared on Smith Street and continued an attack on another unsuspecting person. Fortunately, the perpetrator was stopped by an on-duty member of the Sheriff’s Department and a passerby. I shudder to think what might have happened if the suspect wasn’t subdued shortly after the second stabbing.

It could have been worse. He could have tried to kill others or even try to kill himself. Hopefully, after witnesses come forth and the dust has settled, we can get a clear picture of the attacker’s motive or why this individual thought this was the only solution. I knew the victim, Phil Willis. He went to school with one of my older siblings. When I would see him, sometimes we would greet each other with a hug. We never socialized, but we would always kid each other. I always knew him to be a kind, gentle and soft spoken man. Whenever we had a conversation, he would never talk ill about anyone. This is my personal experience with him.

The Mayor and Council have recognized groups or individuals with special citations or proclamations for contributing to the community or for acts of valor prior to the beginning of the Council Meetings. I think it would be only appropriate to give special recognition to this Officer from the Sheriff’s Department and the passerby who helped subdue the attacker. With these two subduing the attacker, it enabled the police to take the suspect right into custody without a fight. These two individuals did the hard work.

They helped to protect those in harm’s way. The suspect attempted to attack four people. He was successful in seriously injuring two; one who succumbed to his injuries. Swift action by two individuals helped to protect others that would be in harm’s way. They put their lives in jeopardy in order to protect others. I hope to be there when the Mayor and Council gives these two individuals their due.

In spite of what happened, life does go on. The next day was as equally sunny and warm and people went about their daily activities, and again downtown Perth Amboy was bustling with people.

The only difference is that life will not be the same, especially for those who were affected by the events that occurred the day before. This includes the victims, their families and friends and those who knew the person who is now in custody accused of committing this vicious act. C.M.