Three corrections officers were attacked and stabbed by members of the MS-13 gang within the prison, according to officials

 

On Friday, three corrections officers at Wallens Ridge State Prison were attacked and stabbed by inmates in what has been described as a 'premeditated' assault, as reported by the Virginia Department of Corrections. In total, five officers sustained injuries during the incident at the facility located in western Virginia and were subsequently transported for medical treatment outside the prison. According to the Virginia DOC, three officers have since been released from medical care, while two remain in stable condition. The DOC has stated that five of the six individuals involved in the attack are confirmed members of the MS-13 gang from El Salvador, who are in the United States illegally, as detailed in a press release issued to ABC News. Each of the suspects has a history of violent offenses, including aggravated murder, first and second degree murder, and rape, as indicated by the DOC.

The other inmate implicated in the assault is a verified member of the Sureño 13 gang, originally from the United States, and is currently serving a sentence for second-degree murder. 

"Five of the individuals accountable for this senseless assault should never have been allowed in this country in the first place," stated Virginia DOC Director Chad Dotson in an official statement. "Every day, our officers risk their lives to ensure the safety of over 8.8 million residents across the Commonwealth," Dotson remarked. "This incident exemplifies the risks they encounter when they report for duty daily. Our officers are true heroes, and I commend the team at Wallens Ridge for their prompt action."

Dotson also issued an informal statement asserting, "Our committed staff deserves a Director who unequivocally prioritizes the safety of our officers above all other concerns," further emphasizing that "this situation will not be tolerated."

The incident is currently under investigation, and DOC officials have indicated that no additional comments will be made until the inquiry is concluded.