FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2026
(Columbus, OH)—Today, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas sentenced Asiakare Minor to 36 months incarceration for a violent assault against Samantha McLeod, a nurse at OSU Medical Center. Ms. McLeod’s victim statement accompanies this release, and statements from Samantha McLeod, RN and ONA President Rick Lucas, RN follow.
Samantha McLeod:
“Just over six months ago, my life changed suddenly, unexpectedly, and violently while I was working a job that I loved, as a nurse at OSU Medical Center’s Neonatal Unit. The time since then has been the most challenging period of my life, and compounding my physical, emotional, and financial devastation, I also haven’t received the support I’ve needed from OSU Medical Center or Ohio’s workers’ comp system. Nursing has always been more than just a job for me; it was my calling. And I know that is also true for my fellow nurses and healthcare professionals. We should never have to fear violence while we’re taking care of our patients.”
ONA President Rick Lucas:
“We appreciate the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the Court for their work on this case. Nurses and health professionals deserve to see that those who assault healthcare workers are held accountable, both to provide justice for those harmed and to send a clear message that workplace violence will not be tolerated. But there is so much more that needs to be done to achieve true justice for Samantha. OSU Medical Center must also be held accountable for its unacceptable response to this violent assault. Samantha deserves the medical care, emotional support, and financial security necessary to recover, for as long as that recovery takes. Violence against nurses and health professionals can never be dismissed as ‘part of the job.’ Hospitals have a responsibility to protect those who provide care, and healthcare systems across Ohio must do far more to prevent workplace violence and ensure safe environments for both caregivers and patients.”
For additional information about the prevalence of workplace violence in healthcare settings, please see ONA’s 2026 Workforce Safety Report: Ohio’s Healthcare System in Crisis.
The Ohio Nurses Association is Ohio’s professional union for nurses and health professionals, dedicated to uniting and empowering nurses and healthcare workers, championing their rights, promoting professional practice, and advocating for quality care for all patients in Ohio.
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