Bellingham Woman Charged After Machete Attack
A judge has ordered a competency evaluation for the defendant following an incident at a local medical clinic.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Prosecutors charged 62-year-old Angela Rae Burgess with attempted first-degree assault and third-degree assault after she allegedly attacked staff at Unity Care NW. The defendant remains in custody without bail.
Why it matters
The charges follow a violent encounter at a healthcare facility, raising concerns about safety protocols in public-facing medical environments in Bellingham.
Angela Rae Burgess is being held without bail at the Whatcom County Superior Court. A competency hearing is set for October 29 to determine if she can stand trial.
The players
Angela Rae Burgess
She is a 62-year-old defendant currently in custody facing charges of attempted first-degree assault and third-degree assault.
Unity Care NW
This is a medical clinic located in Bellingham that serves as a community healthcare provider.
The details
On October 15, Burgess allegedly entered the lobby of Unity Care NW and drew a one-foot machete during a conversation with a supervisor. She reportedly shattered plastic glass partitions with the blade, causing a cut to another individual and damaging the supervisor's sweater.
Timeline
The incident at the health clinic began at 11:21 a.m. on October 15, 2026.
A competency hearing is scheduled for October 29, 2026.
Legal Context
The court's decision to order an evaluation follows established Washington state competency evaluation requirements for defendants. This process is a standard legal safeguard used when a defendant's mental capacity to participate in their own defense is in question.
The incident occurred in a public medical setting, which may lead to heightened security measures or temporary changes to access protocols at the clinic. Residents should follow any updated safety guidance provided by Unity Care NW.
The takeaway
Healthcare facilities are increasingly implementing safety reviews to protect staff and patients from unpredictable violence. Staff and visitors are encouraged to report any suspicious behavior to facility administrators immediately.
What happens next
A competency hearing is scheduled to take place on October 29, 2026, at the Whatcom County Superior Court.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Bellingham Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bellingham Herald.
