Two days after a fatal stabbing at the location, the Salvation Army on Washington Street is being shut down.
On May 15, the City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced in a post on X that after speaking with officials from the Salvation Army, the facility located at 131 Washington St. in Binghamton would be closed indefinitely.
The closure comes two days after police responded to the Salvation Army for a report of a stabbing and found Kevin L. Ray, 57, of Endicott, suffering from stab wounds to his shoulder and neck. Ray later died at a local hospital.
According to police, 37-year-old Michael W. Brutvan, who was arrested outside the location, entered the Salvation Army, which was hosting a community meal at the time, and stabbed Ray several times.
Kraham said in the post the city is working on finding temporary locations or operations for the nonprofit following the closure.
“It’s clear siting these services in a downtown commercial district is not in the best interest of public safety for our residents, small businesses and Salvation Army alike,” he said in the post.
On May 15, a sign on the door at 131 Washington St. said the following:
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, the soup kitchen and the food pantry will be suspended indefinitely. Please be patient with us as we work to find viable ways to serve our community in the safest and most effective way possible.”
As of 4 p.m. May 15, the Salvation Army had not yet responded a request for comment.
(This story has been updated to add new information and a photo.)
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton Salvation Army closed indefinitely following fatal Washington St. stabbing
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
