The prisoner suspected of stabbing disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar at the US Penitentiary Coleman in Florida said the former USA Gymnastics physician provoked the attack by making lewd comments while they were watching a Wimbledon tennis match on TV.
The information was provided to the Associated Press (AP) by a person familiar with the matter.
Who Stabbed Larry Nassar?
The inmate was identified as 49-year-old Shane McMillan, who was previously convicted of assaulting a correctional officer at a federal penitentiary in Louisiana in 2006, as well as attempting to stab another inmate to death at a federal supermax prison in Florence, Colorado, and in 2011, court records show.
According to the AP's source, whose identity remains unknown, McMillan attacked Nassar in his cell Sunday (July 9) with a makeshift weapon, stabbing him as many as 10 times in the neck, chest, and back before four other inmates rushed in and pulled him off of Nassar.
Correctional officers assigned to the cell responded to Nassar's cell and performed what officials said were life-saving measures. He was eventually taken to a hospital where he remains in stable condition Wednesday (July 12) with injuries including a collapsed lung.
The AP's source alleged Nassar made lewd comments, like his intention to see girls play in the Wimbledon women's match currently taking place in London.
The source person could not divulge any further details to reporters as investigations are continuing.
Blind Spots on Federal Jails
Cell doors on most federal prison units are typically open during the day to let prisoners move around freely within the facility. Because Nassar was attacked and his cell, the incident was not captured on surveillance cameras as they are only pointed at common areas and corridors.
Sunday's attack was the second time Nassar was assaulted behind bars.
Nassar was sentenced to spend countless decades in prison for sexually abusing athletes, including college and Olympic gymnastics stars like Simone Biles, as well as for possession of child pornography.
It was earlier reported that such assaults and brawls were only possible due to the shortage of jailers in the Bureau of Prisons.
In a statement Wednesday, the agency said it was "imperative" for them to increase its staffing levels as they are actively recruiting for correction officers.
"The BOP takes seriously our duty to protect the individuals entrusted in our custody, as well as maintain the safety of correctional staff and the community," agency representative Scott Taylor said.