Kansas City first responder dies after being stabbed by patient in ambulance
A Kansas City firefighter-paramedic has died after he was stabbed in an ambulance by a patient he was transporting Sunday morning, city officials announced.
The suspect is in police custody.
Graham Hoffman, 29, was sent on a routine call to the area of North Oak Traffickway and MO-152 around 1 a.m.
Hoffman was on the way to the hospital when he was stabbed in the heart by the person he was transporting, according to Michael Hopkins, Kansas City Fire Department Battalion Chief. His partner then called for police and extra medical help.
Crews worked to save his life on the way to North Kansas City Hospital and continued in the emergency room before he was taken into surgery, according to officials. He succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit.
Hoffman had been a member of the fire department since 2022, city officials said in a release.
“His courage, compassion, and commitment to our community will never be forgotten. On behalf of the City of Kansas City, I extend our deepest condolences to Graham’s family, loved ones, and all members of the Kansas City Fire Department. We stand with you in this time of unimaginable loss,” said Interim City Manager Kimiko Gilmore.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a press conference Sunday afternoon that the suspect is in custody as the police department works with the Clay County prosecutor towards charges.
The city plans to demand accountability be applied not just to this suspect, but also for any steps in the process that fell short, Lucas said.
“This senseless act reminds us of the dangers our first responders face each day,” he said.
This story was originally published April 27, 2025 at 1:16 PM.
