Virginia corrections officers stabbed by MS-13 gangbanger inmates in coordinated attack
Three Virginia corrections officers were hospitalized Friday after an alleged coordinated attack by inmates affiliated with the violent MS-13 gang and another known gang, state Department of Corrections officials said in a statement. The incident occurred at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Wise County around 9:45 a.m., involving six inmates.
Five of the inmates are confirmed members of the MS-13 gang, originally from El Salvador and in the U.S. illegally. These individuals had been convicted of violent crimes, including aggravated murder, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and rape. The sixth inmate is a U.S. citizen and a member of the Sureño 13 gang, serving a sentence for second-degree murder.
Director Chad Dotson of the Virginia Department of Corrections expressed concern, stating, “Five of the individuals responsible for this senseless attack should never have been in this country in the first place.” He commended the officers at Wallens Ridge for their swift response to the incident, emphasizing the daily risks officers face in ensuring public safety.
Following the attack, five officers required medical treatment. Three have been discharged, with two sustaining minor injuries while responding to the scene. The other two officers remain hospitalized but are in stable condition.
MS-13, short for Mara Salvatrucha, is a transnational criminal gang known for its extreme violence. Originating in Los Angeles in the 1980s, the gang has expanded into Central America and various regions in the U.S., engaging in violent crimes such as murder, human trafficking, extortion, and drug distribution.
Law enforcement agencies have been vigilant in targeting MS-13 and other gang members who enter the country illegally. The Trump administration has increased enforcement actions against these individuals, leading to numerous arrests and deportations. Concerns about MS-13 activity within the prison system have also been raised by federal and state officials.
The incident at Wallens Ridge State Prison remains under investigation, with no additional information released at this time. The Virginia Department of Corrections has assured that more details will be shared once the investigation is complete.
In conclusion, the safety of corrections officers remains a top priority, as they continue to face risks daily in maintaining public safety. The resilience and dedication of these officers are commendable in the face of such dangerous situations.
