A 66-year-old Indian-origin nurse was attacked at Palms West Hospital in Florida in a suspected hate crime, as per reports.

The attacker, 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury, not only allegedly assaulted the nurse, Leelamma Lal, but also made remarks about her being Indian, according to reports. The nurse suffered severe facial injuries due to the attack.

The incident has reportedly sparked outrage among healthcare workers, who expressed their frustration over frequent mistreatment and disrespect from patients. Many echoed that patients often behave rudely and mistreat healthcare professionals.

Hours after the attack, the suspect was arrested and was reportedly found shirtless and shoeless. Scantlebury has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, along with a hate crime enhancement.

Representing healthcare workers, advocate Cheryl Thomas-Harcum reportedly emphasised that violence against medical professionals is far too common. She further noted that many people enter hospitals and feel entitled to mistreat and abuse healthcare workers.

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