Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar, known for his role in sexually abusing female gymnasts, was stabbed multiple times during an altercation with another inmate at the United States Penitentiary Coleman in Florida. The attack occurred on Sunday and left Nassar with stab wounds to his back and chest. Although the injuries were serious, Nassar was reported to be in stable condition the following day.
The details surrounding the incident are still under investigation, and the identities of those involved have not been disclosed. Authorities have not provided information on the motive behind the attack.
Nassar, who worked as a doctor for both Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, was convicted of sexually assaulting numerous gymnasts, including Olympic medalists. He is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes. In addition to his convictions for sexual assault, Nassar also pleaded guilty to charges related to child pornography.
This incident raises concerns about inmate safety within the federal prison system. The Federal Bureau of Prisons has been grappling with significant staffing shortages, which have been highlighted by previous emergencies and incidents in prisons across the country. The issue gained attention in 2019 when financier Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a federal jail in New York.
Nassar’s case drew widespread attention as over 100 women, including prominent athletes such as Simone Biles, came forward with allegations against him. The FBI faced criticism for its handling of the case and failure to intervene despite receiving reports about Nassar’s misconduct. Multiple settlements have been reached, with Michigan State University agreeing to pay $500 million to over 300 survivors and USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee offering a $380 million settlement.
In June 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court rejected Nassar’s final appeal, upholding his 40-year prison sentence. The court acknowledged concerns regarding the judge’s conduct during the sentencing but ultimately concluded that the appeal presented nothing more than an academic exercise.
For Nassar’s victims, this latest incident serves as a reminder of the trauma they endured. Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse Nassar, expressed relief that the legal process has finally come to an end after nearly six years since she filed the initial police report.