Healthcare workers express outrage as attack is labeled a suspected hate crime
A 66-year-old Indian-origin nurse, Leelamma Lal, was attacked at Palms West Hospital in Florida in what is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
The assault took place when the suspect, 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury, allegedly targeted Lal with both physical violence and racial remarks about her being Indian. Lal sustained significant facial injuries from the attack, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
The incident has sparked outrage among healthcare professionals, highlighting concerns over patient mistreatment
Hours after the attack, the suspect, Scantlebury, was arrested while reportedly shirtless and shoeless. He faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, with an added hate crime enhancement. Advocate Cheryl Thomas-Harcum, representing healthcare workers, emphasized the growing issue of violence against medical professionals, noting that many patients feel entitled to mistreat those who care for them.
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