A horrific attack at Palms West Hospital, Florida, has left 67-year-old Leelamma Lal, an Indian-origin nurse, with severe facial fractures. The brutal assault by a patient has sparked outrage and concerns over hospital safety.
The suspect, 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury, was arrested shortly after the attack. Reports state he was found shirtless and shoeless when taken into custody. He was also covered in EKG leads at the time.
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Shockingly, he made racially charged remarks about Lal’s Indian heritage. This led authorities to charge him with attempted second-degree murder with a hate crime enhancement.
The incident has triggered calls for stricter hospital security. A petition demanding tougher penalties for attacks on healthcare workers has already gained over 9,500 signatures in just two days.
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Healthcare advocate Dr. Cheryl Thomas-Harcum, who started the petition, expressed deep concern over rising hospital violence.
“I looked at Leela, and I saw someone who dedicated her life to this profession. Only to be attacked at the end of her career. It’s heartbreaking,” she said.
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With rising pressure for reforms, this case has reignited debates on workplace safety and racism in the US. The attack also highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for healthcare workers.
