Incident Overview

On Friday, a targeted attack occurred at Wallens Ridge State Prison in western Virginia, injuring five corrections officers, three of whom suffered stab wounds. The Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) confirmed that the incident was premeditated.

Injuries and Response

Of the five officers injured, three have since been discharged from medical care, while two remain hospitalized in stable condition. The officers were swiftly transported to a medical facility following the attack to receive immediate treatment.

The Perpetrators

The DOC identified five of the six inmates involved in the attack as members of the MS-13 gang, with origins from El Salvador. All were noted to be in the United States illegally. These individuals have previous convictions for violent offenses, including aggravated murder and rape.

The sixth individual involved is a confirmed member of the Sureño 13 gang, a U.S. citizen, currently serving a sentence for second-degree murder.

Official Statements

Virginia DOC Director Chad Dotson commented on the alarming incident, stating, “Five of the individuals responsible for this senseless attack should never have been in this country in the first place.”

Dotson emphasized the dangers faced by corrections officers daily, remarking, “Every single day, our officers put their lives on the line to ensure public safety for the more than 8.8 million people across the Commonwealth.” He commended the Wallens Ridge staff for their quick and effective response during the crisis.

In a separate statement, he underscored the imperative of prioritizing officer safety, asserting, “Our dedicated staff deserves a Director who makes it crystal clear that the safety of our officers is our highest priority, over literally anything else we’re doing.”

Investigation Current Status

The DOC has initiated an investigation into the incident. As of now, no additional information will be released until the inquiry concludes, emphasizing a need for discretion during ongoing investigations.