LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — The family of Gardy Coriolan, a 63-year-old Mercy Hospital security officer severely beaten while on duty, is calling for justice and systemic change. Coriolan is now fighting for his life following a violent encounter with a patient on October 15.
Details of the Mercy Hospital Attack
On the evening of the incident, Coriolan intervened to protect a doctor from a belligerent patient in the emergency room. The altercation resulted in a severe beating that led to Coriolan suffering cardiac arrest. He is currently on life support, surrounded by his grieving family.
Eduard Lopez, 28, was identified as the suspected assailant and has been charged with assault. However, Coriolan’s family argues that the charges are insufficient, advocating for an escalation to attempted murder. They further demand stricter penalties for assaults on hospital staff across New York state.
Hospital Staffing Shortages: A Growing Concern for Worker Safety
Coriolan, a retired New York City Correction Department officer, was known for his dedication to safety and mentorship in both hospital and school settings. Despite his extensive experience, he often worked unarmed and with limited support, a scenario that he had previously warned could lead to tragic outcomes.
“One of his major concerns, and his exact words that he quoted to myself and leadership at the hospital was, ‘the shortage of staff here is going to get someone hurt, or someone is going to die.’ And now, I’m living that,” Sonya Coriolan, his wife, told ABC7NY.
The family has expressed the desire to view security footage of the attack, which they believe could be pivotal in understanding the incident’s severity. Meanwhile, they are preparing for Lopez’s upcoming court appearance, where he faces a second-degree assault charge that could potentially be increased, depending on Coriolan’s condition…