'Indians Are Bad': US Patient Attacks Indian-Origin Nurse, Breaks Nearly Every Bone in Her Face

Florida: A 67-year-old Indian-origin nurse, Leelamma Lal, was brutally attacked by a patient at a hospital in Palm Beach County, Florida. The attack left her with severe injuries, including multiple facial fractures, a broken collarbone, and brain bleeding.  

The accused, 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury, has been arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder under hate crime.

The attack happened when Lal, a nurse at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, entered Scantlebury's room to check on him. According to authorities, Scantlebury, who was a mental patient, suddenly launched a violent attack on Lal, punching her repeatedly. The assault was so brutal that it broke nearly every bone in her face.

Following the attack, Lal was airlifted to St. Mary's Medical Centre, where she remains in the intensive care unit (ICU). Authorities have warned that she may permanently lose her eyesight due to the severity of her injuries. Lal's daughter, Cindy Joseph, expressed her shock and devastation, stating that she could barely recognise her mother due to the extent of the injuries.

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Scantlebury allegedly made racist remarks during the attack, saying, "Indians are bad" and "I just beat the s*** out of an Indian doctor." These statements led prosecutors to add a hate crime enhancement to his charges, which could result in harsher penalties if proven.

The Indian Nurses Association of South Florida has called for stronger protections for healthcare workers. As Lal continues to recover from her injuries and trauma, the medical community, demanding justice and increased safety measures for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.