BOSTON—A brutal early-morning stabbing at Boston Medical Center has left a security guard fighting for his life. The chaotic confrontation unfolded around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the hospital campus.

Witnesses say that police arrived to find a 37-year-old public safety officer with life-threatening injuries after an altercation with a suspect, identified as Branden Bannister. Authorities reported that Bannister was handcuffed and bleeding profusely from the face when officers found him at the scene.

According to police reports, Bannister had been at the hospital to visit a patient but allegedly left with items belonging to that patient. Hospital security confronted him, believing he was stealing. Video footage captured a tense moment as Bannister squared off with a security guard, who then used riot control spray in an attempt to subdue him. During the struggle, Bannister allegedly stabbed the guard in the leg, leading to chaos on the medical campus.

Bannister was ultimately apprehended by officers, and a white bag believed to contain cocaine was found on him. He now faces multiple charges, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and cocaine trafficking. Following his arrest, he was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the confrontation.

The security guard is currently in critical but stable condition, with hospital officials confirming that he is recovering. A Boston Medical Center spokesperson emphasized that the safety of patients and staff remains the hospital's top priority. Bannister was arraigned later that afternoon and is being held on a $50,000 cash bail, further complicating an already tumultuous situation as he was on probation for a previous conviction.

This shocking incident raises serious questions about security protocols at one of Boston's leading hospitals, leaving many to wonder how such a violent encounter could occur on their campus.