91 years old civil rights Pioneer was stabbed multiple times as she walked her dog through a Boston park Wednesday night, with the puppy coming to her rescue and wounding the attacker midway through the attack, according to authorities.
Jean McGuire, the first black social worker to work in the Boston Public Schools system, was walking her dog Bailey through Playstead Park in the Jamaica Plain area around 8:30 p.m., when someone who didn’t unidentified went up to her and stabbed her, CBS Boston report.
The victim and her dog attacked the attacker after she was stabbed multiple times, police say
While McGuire was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, “preliminary investigation suggests the suspect” may have also been injured in the attack.
“The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries,” Boston Police said in a press release. “Preliminary investigation indicates the suspect may have been injured in this attack.”
The exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, and officials did not say whether the incident was racially motivated.
Police said McGuire’s 8-year-old Blue Weimaraner dog fought off the attacker to protect her, and “the suspect may have been injured (by her dog) in this attack.”
Jeriline Brady-McGinnis told Boston Globe that her friend fought for her life, and even kicked the attacker “in the pain” while her dog was “handling him”.
“[Jean] attacked this guy. She kicked him while Bailey was working with him. And he tried to run, and the dog chased him. And [the attacker] Brady-Mcginnis told the newspaper. “Bailey stood up for her.”
Victim was a civil rights pioneer who was the first woman of color to be elected to the Boston School Board
In 1981, McGuire became the first woman of color to be elected to the Boston School Board, and helped found METCO – the Urban Council on Educational Opportunity – a program started in the 1960s to help separate schools in the city.
“Just imagining this happening is unbelievable. But I know she’s strong and will come out of this to do what she’s been doing in this community for decades,” METCO CEO Milly Arbaje-Thomas told CBS News. “She’s an amazing woman, a powerhouse, and every time you mention Jean McGuire’s name, everyone knows she’s a force to be reckoned with.”
Boston mayor meets elderly stabbing victim, says she’s “disgusted, angry” at being attacked
The city’s mayor later met with McGuire at the hospital, and said she was “disgusted and angry to learn that an elderly person in our community must fear for her safety while doing so.” doing her day job.”
“I am disgusted and angry to learn that an elderly person in our community must fear for her safety while taking her daily walk, walking her dog,” Mayor Michelle Wu said. “I had the opportunity to connect with this patient who was an inspiration in every way.”
There will be a vigil tonight at 6 p.m. at the entrance to Franklin Park for 91yo civil rights pioneer Jean McGuire.
She was stabbed several times while walking her dog in the park earlier this week. She is in stable condition # 7news pic.twitter.com/MMAzNIQ3RB
– Amaka Ubaka (@AmakaUbakaTV) October 14, 2022
Authorities investigate the attack, asking the public for assistance in identifying the attacker
Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the attack and asking the public for help in identifying the suspect in question.
“Detectives are urging anyone who was in the area during that time and may have witnessed this incident or observed anything suspicious to contact police” with the information.
McGuire’s friend Brady-McGinnis told the Globe that “she won’t be walking alone anymore.”
Anyone with information should call Boston Police at 617-343-4275 or the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS.
