Three Stabbed at Denver Homeless Shelter Exposes Inadequate Security and Growing Danger
Three stabbings have occurred at a Denver homeless shelter on Tuesday evening, including one of a teenage victim. Police are still searching for suspects involved in the incident that occurred at the Comfort Inn shelter, which is leased by the city to house families.
The victims, two adults and one juvenile, were rushed to the hospital with stab wounds, according to a spokesperson for The Salvation Army, who provides case management services at the shelter.
Police in Denver said three people were stabbed at a shelter in northeast Denver on Oct. 10, 2023. The Comfort Inn shelter, which Denver leases to house families, in the 4600 block of Quebec Street / Quebec Street and Interstate 70 in Northeast Park Hill. (Greg Nieto/KDVR)
This disturbing incident sheds light on the failed homeless policies of the Denver City Council, who recently approved $30 million towards funding homelessness initiatives and housing. Yet, as evidenced by the lack of security at the shelter and the ongoing dangerous situation at nearby encampments, these policies are not effectively addressing the growing issue. A problem that grows weekly as more undocumented migrants come to Denver from our southern born.
Residents at the Comfort Inn shelter have been pleading with the staff for better security and for the removal of trouble-making families. One resident even mentioned gathering signatures for a petition to evict certain individuals, as they feel their concerns are being ignored. This comes as no surprise, as Denver's homeless population has been allowed to grow out of control for far too long, with little accountability or consequences for their actions.
Furthermore, the city's decision to use taxpayer funds to purchase the Best Western hotel for use as a shelter is not only wasteful but has also proven to be ineffective in other locations. The conversion of the property into supportive housing has not been completed and in the meantime, homeless individuals are being moved from one location to another, with no real solutions being offered.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's administration has failed to effectively address the homelessness crisis in the city. The recent “rat infestation cleanup” at an encampment and this latest stabbing incident are just more examples of the lack of leadership and accountability from the city.
It is time for the Denver City Council and Mayor Johnston to take real action to address this pressing issue, before more innocent people, including teenagers, become victims of failed policies.