A Christmas Day attack at a Minnesota hospital has left a heroic security guard dead and exposed the dangerous reality facing healthcare workers who risk their lives protecting patients and staff from violent criminals.
Story Highlights
- Security guard Andrea Merrell, 43, died after being brutally beaten by fleeing patient Jonathan Winch on Christmas Day
- Winch escaped a medical hold, pinned Merrell to pavement outside M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center, causing fatal head injuries
- The 35-year-old suspect now faces second-degree murder charges with $2 million bail and ordered mental competency evaluation
- Merrell, a reserve officer and former firefighter, exemplified courage in her final act protecting others
Heroic Guard Dies Protecting Hospital
Andrea Merrell embodied the courage and dedication that make America great. The 43-year-old security guard, reserve police officer, and former firefighter from North Branch, Minnesota, died December 27, 2025, two days after sustaining severe head injuries while pursuing a dangerous patient who fled medical custody. Her selfless pursuit of Jonathan Chet Winch, 35, outside M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, Minnesota, ended in a brutal assault that claimed the life of a true American hero.
Christmas Day Attack Exposes Hospital Security Crisis
The December 25 attack unfolded around 5:25 p.m. when Winch forced his way past magnetic doors in the emergency department, fleeing an unspecified medical hold. Merrell immediately responded, pursuing the suspect in her security vehicle with emergency lights activated. Outside the hospital, Winch violently attacked Merrell, pinning her to the pavement and inflicting the head injuries that would prove fatal. This incident highlights the escalating violence healthcare workers face nationwide, where studies show 75% experience workplace assaults.
When police arrived, they witnessed Winch attempting to steal Merrell’s security vehicle. The suspect then jumped onto a squad car windshield and fought officers for approximately five minutes before being subdued with a Taser and arrested. His statement to police, “I didn’t mean to hurt her,” rings hollow given the vicious nature of his attack on an innocent woman doing her job.
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Justice System Responds with Serious Charges
Chisago County prosecutors charged Winch with second-degree murder on December 29, 2025, setting bail at $2 million and ordering a mental competency examination. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 27, 2026. The substantial bail amount reflects the severity of his crime and the danger he poses to the community. However, the competency exam raises concerns about potential attempts to avoid full accountability through mental health defenses.
This case demonstrates how our healthcare system has become a battlefield where dedicated professionals like Merrell must risk their lives against violent individuals who show no respect for law, order, or human decency. The fact that such attacks are becoming commonplace reveals the breakdown of respect for authority and the rule of law that conservatives have long warned about.
Community Honors Fallen Hero
Merrell’s death has devastated the Wyoming and North Branch communities, where she was known for her quiet strength and unwavering dedication to service. Friend Shane Warnke honored her memory on Facebook, stating “Andrea stood watch so others could heal.” M Health Fairview praised her as a valued team member who demonstrated “courage, professionalism and heart.” A fundraiser has been established to support her family during this difficult time, showing how Americans rally around those who sacrifice for others.
Sources:
Minn. hospital security officer killed in attack by patient escaping ‘medical hold’
Suspect charged killing security guard chisago county hospital
