Three corrections officers of the Wallens Ridge state prison were stabbed by inmates in a “premeditated” attack on Friday, according to Virginia’s Department of Corrections.
A total of five officers were injured in prison in western Virginia during the attack, according to the department. The officers were transported for medical care outside the installation.
Three officers have been discharged, said Doc de Virginia. Two officers are in stable condition.
The document alleged that five of the six perpetrators are “members of confirmed gangs of El-13 of El Salvador, which were in this country illegally,” according to a press release provided to ABC News.
Each of the suspects has been convicted of violent crimes, including aggravated murder, murder and violation of the first and second degree, according to the doctor.
The Wallens Ridge state prison sign is shown on this Google Maps screen.
Google Maps Street View
The other inmate involved in the attack is a confirmed member of the southern gang 13 and the United States, fulfilling a sentence for second degree murder.
“Five of the people responsible for this meaningless attack should never have been in this country in the first place,” said Doc de Virginia, Chad Dotson, in a statement.
“Every day, our officers put their lives on the line to guarantee public security for more than 8.8 million people throughout the Commonwealth,” Dotson said. “This attack is an example of the dangers they face when they are presented to work every day. Our officers are heroes and congratulate the Wallens Ridge team for their rapid response.”
Dotson also included an “unofficial” statement that said: “Our dedicated staff deserves a director who makes it clear that the security of our officers is our highest priority, literally about anything else we are doing,” and added that “this will not be maintained.”
The attack is currently under investigation, and no more response will be provided until the investigation is completed, DOC officials said.
