FLORIDA, USA – Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor serving a life sentence for sexually abusing more than 150 girls and women, was assaulted and stabbed multiple times in a federal prison in Florida, according to union officials and prison authorities.
Joe Rojas, president of the local correction officers’ union, reported to CNN that Nassar was stabbed 10 times — twice in the neck, twice in the back, and six times in the chest.
Rojas added that Nassar was saved by the quick response of corrections officers on the scene. The former doctor is said to be in stable condition.
The Bureau of Prisons confirmed the incident: “On Sunday, July 9, 2023, at approximately 2:35 pm, an inmate was assaulted at the United States Penitentiary (USP) Coleman II, in Sumterville, Florida.
Responding staff immediately initiated life-saving measures. Staff requested Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and life-saving efforts continued.”
The prison authorities did not name Nassar in their statement, but two sources familiar with the matter confirmed his identity to CNN.
The statement from the Bureau of Prisons added that an internal investigation into the incident has been initiated. The inmate was transported to a hospital for treatment.
In 2018, Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison after over 150 women and girls said in court that he had sexually abused them over a period spanning two decades.
The former doctor pleaded guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct in Ingham County, Michigan.
He admitted to using his medical position to assault and molest girls under the pretense of medical treatment.
In 2021, victims of Nassar reached a $380 million settlement with USA Gymnastics, the US Olympic Committee, and their insurers.
This settlement was part of USA Gymnastics’ plan to exit bankruptcy, which was prompted by the scandal surrounding Nassar’s actions.
In addition to his sentence for sexual abuse, Nassar was also sentenced to 60 years in prison on federal child pornography charges.
The assault incident was first reported by the Associated Press.
