Three corrections officers were injured in a violent attack at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Virginia, involving inmates linked to the notorious MS-13 gang. The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. on Friday and involved six inmates, five of whom are confirmed MS-13 members from El Salvador, all of whom are in the U.S. illegally.
These five inmates have serious criminal backgrounds, including convictions for aggravated murder, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and rape. The sixth inmate involved in the attack is a U.S. citizen and a member of the Sureño 13 gang, serving time for second-degree murder.
Virginia Department of Corrections Director Chad Dotson expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that these individuals should not have been in the country. He emphasized the daily risks that corrections officers face while ensuring public safety. Dotson praised the swift response of the staff at Wallens Ridge during the attack.
Following the assault, five officers required medical attention. Three have since been released from the hospital, while two remain hospitalized but are in stable condition.
The attack highlights ongoing concerns about gang activity in prisons and the implications for public safety. MS-13, known for its extreme violence, originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s and has since expanded its operations into Central America and various parts of the U.S. Law enforcement links the gang to numerous violent crimes, including murder and human trafficking.
The incident is still under investigation, and more details are expected to be released as authorities look into the circumstances surrounding the attack. The Virginia Department of Corrections is committed to keeping the public informed as the situation develops.