A Georgia man has said that severe medical neglect at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta resulted in the amputation of his fingers and lower legs. Rashaad Muhammad, who now uses a wheelchair, spoke at a news conference outside the jail on Wednesday after meeting with Sheriff Pat Labat.
Muhammad was arrested in August and taken to the jail, where medical staff failed to provide antibiotics and other supplies he repeatedly requested, according to his lawyers. Within two weeks, his condition deteriorated to the point where he could not stand, and he was taken to hospital. Doctors told him the amputations were necessary to save his life.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Muhammad, said the treatment constituted deliberate indifference and violated his constitutional rights. Crump criticised the county board of commissioners for failing to act on known problems and the jail's medical provider, NaphCare, for ignoring Muhammad's pleas. NaphCare did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Fulton County Jail has a history of issues, leading to a US Department of Justice civil rights investigation in July 2023. In January 2025, a court-enforceable consent decree was agreed, with an independent monitor documenting problems and progress. The county board recently voted to borrow up to $1.3 billion for jail improvements.
Muhammad has a chronic bladder condition requiring a catheter and antibiotics. He was arrested after a shooting on August 11 and told police he needed his medical supplies. After being cleared at a hospital, he was taken to the jail. He repeatedly requested antibiotics, and other inmates also pleaded for help. On August 22, he was taken back to hospital in severe medical distress, and after a coma, doctors advised amputation to save his life.
Crump said the legal team is exploring all possible remedies and has requested a criminal investigation. Muhammad described his meeting with the sheriff as productive but insufficient.
