The man accused of stabbing a California Highway Patrol near a SoMa homeless camp won't be arraigned until next week, but San Francisco's Public Defender is already arguing his case in the court of public opinion, saying that Super Bowl-related tensions might have played a part in the confrontation.

You can catch up on the circumstances of Tuesday's alleged altercation between 45-year-old transient Noel Corpuz and CHP Officer Andre Sirenko here. At the end of it, Corpuz was in San Francisco Police Department custody, and after four hours of surgery, Sirenko was in stable condition at San Francisco General Hospital.

Though Corpuz's arraignment, initially planned for Thursday, was postponed (per the Ex), Public Defender Jeff Adachi is already pleading his client's case to Bay City News.

According to BCN, "Adachi noted that the incident, which he called 'tragic,' came at a time of high 'tension' between homeless people and the community. Recent news coverage has focused on the increased visibility of tent encampments and allegations that the city has relocated the homeless to make way for Super Bowl events."

Adachi is presumably referring to the nearly mile-long tent encampment at Division Street as well as Mayor Ed Lee's well-publicized remarks saying that Homeless people will "have to leave" during San Francisco's Super Bowl events.

“So." Adachi says, "this is coming at a time when the city is particularly challenged in how to respond to homelessness."

According to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, which will be prosecuting the case, it's not that simple. According to BCN, "a number of homeless people have cooperated with police in the investigation" so, according to spokesperson Alex Bastian, “it’s very important to never judge a book by its cover.”

Corpuz and Adachi are scheduled to appear in court on February 9. Until then, Corpuz remains in custody in SF County Jail on (among other things) attempted murder, assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest with force charges. His bail has been set at $5 million.

Related: Uproar Begins As Supervisor Wiener Tries To Enforce Tent Ban On Homeless
During The Super Bowl Mayor Lee Says City's Homeless Will Have To Leave
CHP Officer In Stable Condition Following Stabbing Near SoMa Homeless Camp