‘Indians are bad,’ says Florida patient after breaking nearly every bone in nurse’s face: A heinous crime
A Horrifying Attack
On February 24, 2023, a 67-year-old Indian-origin nurse, Leelamma Lal, was brutally assaulted by a psychiatric patient, Stephen Scantlebury, at Palms West Hospital in Florida. The attack was a brutal and sickening display of violence, leaving Lal with severe facial fractures and a trail of bloodshed.
The Assault
According to the arrest affidavit, Scantlebury, 33, suddenly launched a violent assault on Lal while she was attending to him. He repeatedly punched her, breaking nearly every bone in her face. The attack was so severe that doctors warned that Lal may lose vision in both eyes due to the extent of her injuries.
A Continued Hateful Rant
As if the attack wasn’t enough, Scantlebury’s remarks during his questioning were even more disturbing. When asked why he committed the heinous crime, he allegedly stated, "’Indians are bad. I just beat the s*** out of an Indian doctor.’ His comments led prosecutors to apply hate crime enhancements, which could result in more severe penalties if he is convicted.
Hate Crime Enhancements: A Growing Concern
The attack on Leelamma Lal is not an isolated incident. In recent years, healthcare workers from the Indian community have faced increasing violence and hostility. The Indian Nurses Association of South Florida has condemned the attack and is calling for stronger protections for healthcare workers.
A Bizarre Parallel
The assault on Leelamma Lal comes just a week after another Indian-origin nurse, Achamma Cherian, was attacked in the UK, raising concerns over the safety of medical professionals from the Indian community. Is this a coincidence, or is there a growing trend of violence against healthcare workers from India?
Consequences of Hate Crime
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that hate crime enhancements can lead to harsher sentences, highlighting the motive behind the attack and its broader impact on the community. As the world grapples with racism and xenophobia, it’s imperative that we address these issues to create a safer and more compassionate society.
A Plea for Justice
As Leelamma Lal fights for her life, her community demands justice for the heinous crime committed against her. The Indian Nurses Association of South Florida and other advocacy groups are calling for stronger measures to protect healthcare workers, ensuring that they can perform their duties safely and without fear of violence.
‘Indians are bad,’ says Florida patient after breaking nearly every bone in nurse’s face: A Call to Action
The brutal attack on Leelamma Lal serves as a stark reminder of the need to address hate crime and violence against healthcare workers. As we mourn the suffering of our fellow human being, we must also recognize the broader implications of such atrocities. It’s time to stand together and demand justice for Leelamma Lal and all victims of hate crime.
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