A Boston Medical Center employee was stabbed early Wednesday morning by a 37-year-old Roxbury man who is now facing multiple charges. According to authorities, the incident occurred when a public safety officer intervened and tried to take back some of a patient's belongings, allegedly belonging to the attacker.
When the officers arrived, they found the suspect, Branden Bannister, bleeding profusely from the face and standing with his hands handcuffed. Witnesses reported that security footage showed Bannister becoming hostile after being pushed away by the safety officers.
As the situation escalated, Bannister pulled out an unknown item from his pocket, punched the victim, and then stabbed him in the upper right thigh, leaving a trail of blood behind him. The officer had to apply a tourniquet to the wound before seeking medical attention.
The injured employee was treated immediately and is recovering at the hospital. However, their condition remains critical due to the severity of the injury.
Bannister, who is also facing trafficking cocaine charges over 18 grams, has been arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, among other charges.
In a statement, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden condemned Bannister's actions, saying it was "deeply disturbing" that the defendant turned a workplace focused on healing people into a place of violence. He also expressed his gratitude to law enforcement for ensuring a quick arrest and apologized for any concern caused by the incident.
Bannister has been ordered held on $50,000 bail and is due back in court on January 12th. His attorney stated that he would maintain a plea of not guilty, citing that Bannister was at the hospital to attend to a personal matter.
The hospital confirmed that the employee "is recovering" and that there is no ongoing threat to staff or patients following the incident.
When the officers arrived, they found the suspect, Branden Bannister, bleeding profusely from the face and standing with his hands handcuffed. Witnesses reported that security footage showed Bannister becoming hostile after being pushed away by the safety officers.
As the situation escalated, Bannister pulled out an unknown item from his pocket, punched the victim, and then stabbed him in the upper right thigh, leaving a trail of blood behind him. The officer had to apply a tourniquet to the wound before seeking medical attention.
The injured employee was treated immediately and is recovering at the hospital. However, their condition remains critical due to the severity of the injury.
Bannister, who is also facing trafficking cocaine charges over 18 grams, has been arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, among other charges.
In a statement, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden condemned Bannister's actions, saying it was "deeply disturbing" that the defendant turned a workplace focused on healing people into a place of violence. He also expressed his gratitude to law enforcement for ensuring a quick arrest and apologized for any concern caused by the incident.
Bannister has been ordered held on $50,000 bail and is due back in court on January 12th. His attorney stated that he would maintain a plea of not guilty, citing that Bannister was at the hospital to attend to a personal matter.
The hospital confirmed that the employee "is recovering" and that there is no ongoing threat to staff or patients following the incident.
... like what's going on with people these days? You're at work, trying to help others heal, and then suddenly you become a target because of some dude's anger issues 
. I mean, Bannister was already facing trafficking charges, so you'd think he'd be more level-headed than that. But nope, he goes and attacks this guy in the hospital 
... it's just crazy. And the fact that his lawyer is already saying not guilty without even knowing all the details? 
I don't know, man... it feels like some people just can't take responsibility for their actions 
. Anyway, glad to hear the injured employee is recovering and there's no ongoing threat 
... but still, this whole thing just sucks 
.
It's like something outta a movie! I mean, Branden Bannister was already in trouble for trafficking cocaine, but this takes it to another level... like, what is wrong with some people? 
The DA's statement about it being "deeply disturbing" is low-key telling... like, hello, this isn't just some random act of violence, it was in a place where people are supposed to be healing. 
Anyway, I hope the employee recovers soon and that Bannister gets the help (or prison time) he needs! 
. I feel so bad for the injured employee, hope they get better soon 
and also hope their colleagues are doing alright too 
. The officer who intervened did an amazing job in saving the victim's life 
. And now Bannister has to face the music, 50k bail is not enough, he needs to take full responsibility for his actions 
... like, I get it, Bannister's actions were super crazy 
I'm not saying he's guilty or anything, but like, some folks might think he got off easy 
.
I don't get why Bannister thought he could just attack someone and then try to walk away, especially in a place where people are supposed to be healing. 
It's like, what even is wrong with some people? 
The fact that they had to apply a tourniquet on the spot is insane... 
I hope the employee recovers fully and doesn't have any long-term effects from this. Fingers crossed! 
the officers did everything right, they called for backup and applied a tourniquet ASAP. And $50k bail? that's a lot of cash 
. I'm glad the police were able to intervene quickly, but it's just horrific that someone would lash out like that in a place where people are trying to help others 
. 50k bail is pretty steep too, hope he doesn't get out and do it again 
hopefully justice gets served soon 
, like how did it come to this? A guy just stab someone in the leg at a hospital 
I mean, it's not like he was just some random guy walking around with a knife... this is a workplace, for crying out loud! 
. The fact that he turned a workplace into a violent situation is just deeply disturbing