The 2023 prison stabbing of former USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar remains one of the most closely examined assaults within the federal prison system. The attack, which occurred inside the United States Penitentiary (USP) Coleman in Florida, left Nassar seriously injured but alive and renewed concerns about inmate safety, prison staffing, and security procedures at high-security federal facilities.
More than two years later, the incident continues to be referenced in discussions about correctional safety and institutional oversight.
Prison Attack at USP Coleman
The assault occurred on July 9, 2023, inside USP Coleman I, a high-security federal prison in central Florida where Nassar is serving his federal sentence.
According to federal officials, another inmate entered Nassar’s housing area and attacked him with a homemade prison weapon.
During the assault, Nassar suffered multiple stab wounds to his:
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Neck
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Chest
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Back
He also sustained a collapsed lung and other serious injuries.
Correctional officers and medical personnel responded to the emergency before Nassar was transported to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment and survived the attack.
Investigation Into the Assault
Federal investigators reviewed the circumstances surrounding the stabbing after the incident.
According to publicly reported information, investigators examined:
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The timeline leading up to the attack.
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Security procedures within the housing unit.
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Statements from inmates and prison staff.
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The weapon used during the assault.
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Staffing levels at the facility.
Because the assault reportedly occurred inside a prison cell, investigators indicated there was no direct surveillance video capturing the attack itself, although surrounding areas were monitored by security cameras.
Suspect Identified
Federal authorities identified the alleged attacker as fellow inmate Shane McMillan, who was already serving a lengthy federal prison sentence.
Public records indicate McMillan had previously been disciplined for violent incidents while incarcerated.
Following the attack, prison officials placed him under additional investigation and disciplinary procedures consistent with Bureau of Prisons policies.
Reported Motive
Following the assault, reports citing investigative sources indicated that McMillan claimed he was angered by comments allegedly made by Nassar while inmates were watching televised tennis coverage.
Those reported statements have been widely cited in media coverage of the incident. However, prison officials have not publicly released a comprehensive investigative report confirming all aspects of the alleged motive.
Prison Staffing Concerns
The stabbing also drew attention to staffing shortages within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Labor organizations and oversight officials pointed to vacancies and overtime demands at USP Coleman as broader issues affecting institutional security.
The incident became part of wider discussions regarding:
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Correctional officer staffing levels.
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Inmate supervision.
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Facility security.
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Workplace safety for prison employees.
Federal officials have continued implementing recruitment and staffing initiatives across the Bureau of Prisons in response to broader operational challenges.
Larry Nassar’s Current Status
Larry Nassar survived the 2023 attack and remains incarcerated in federal custody.
He continues serving a 60-year federal sentence related to child pornography convictions. That sentence is followed by consecutive Michigan state sentences totaling well over a century for sexually abusing hundreds of girls and young women while working as a physician for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University.
His convictions stem from abuse involving more than 265 victims, making it one of the largest sexual abuse scandals in American sports history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Larry Nassar still alive?
Yes. Nassar survived the July 2023 prison stabbing after receiving emergency medical treatment.
Where did the stabbing occur?
The assault took place inside USP Coleman I, a high-security federal prison in Florida.
Who attacked Larry Nassar?
Federal officials identified fellow inmate Shane McMillan as the alleged attacker.
Was the attack captured on surveillance video?
Authorities have stated there was no direct camera footage of the assault because it reportedly occurred inside a prison cell that was outside surveillance coverage.
Is the investigation complete?
Federal authorities investigated the assault, though not every aspect of the case has been publicly detailed. The incident also prompted broader reviews of prison staffing and security procedures.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and official information released following the 2023 prison assault. Some investigative details, including the reported motive, are based on publicly reported accounts and have not been fully detailed in official public investigative findings.
