Larry Nassar, the disgraced former doctor of USA Gymnastics who was found guilty of sexually abusing numerous young female gymnasts, was attacked and stabbed multiple times by another inmate while in prison. Reports indicate that Nassar’s condition is stable as of Monday.
The assault took place at the United States Penitentiary Coleman in Florida, but the Federal Bureau of Prisons has chosen not to disclose the identity of the assailant due to privacy and security concerns. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Nassar was stabbed in the back and chest.
The incident occurred on Sunday, with the two officers on duty at the unit working overtime due to staffing shortages. It should be noted that these details are provided anonymously, as the individuals are not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation publicly.
Nassar’s sentencing hearing witnessed over 150 women, including decorated US Olympians such as Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, and McKayla Maroney, bravely sharing their harrowing experiences. Nassar, a former doctor for USA Gymnastics and sports medicine physician at Michigan State University, pleaded guilty to charges of criminal sexual conduct and federal child pornography charges.
In January, the judge sentenced him to a maximum of 175 years in prison, stating, “I just signed your death warrant.” Additionally, Nassar has already received a 60-year sentence for federal child pornography charges.
Although prominent athletes were among those who spoke out against Nassar, the majority of his victims were students and young female athletes from various disciplines such as gymnastics, dance, and volleyball. Nassar’s reputation as a respected and well-connected doctor played a role in gaining their trust and contributed to their silence.
The Nassar case has become a significant part of the broader conversation surrounding sexual assault and harassment, shedding light on the negligence and complicity of powerful figures in protecting perpetrators.
Even in the context of recent high-profile scandals involving individuals such as Jerry Sandusky, Bill Cosby, and Harvey Weinstein, the scale of Nassar’s crimes is shocking. With approximately 300 women and one male athlete coming forward as victims, it surpasses the combined total of those other scandals.
It is particularly disturbing to note that many of the victims were minors who were abused, at times, in the presence of their parents during medical examinations. There is evidence suggesting that both Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics were slow to respond to reports of Nassar’s abuse of girls and young women.
