WISE COUNTY, Va. — In a shocking incident that underscores the risks faced by prison staff, three corrections officers were injured during a calculated assault at Wallens Ridge State Prison on May 2. Officials from the Virginia Department of Corrections reported that the attack involved six inmates linked to rival gangs, MS-13 and Sureño 13.
The violent confrontation unfolded shortly after 9:45 a.m. and involved five inmates identified as members of MS-13, who hail from El Salvador, along with a sixth inmate who is a U.S. citizen associated with Sureño 13. All six individuals are serving lengthy sentences for serious crimes, including aggravated murder and sexual assault.
Following the attack, five corrections officers were transferred to local hospitals for treatment. While three were released after receiving minor care, two remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Chad Dotson, director of the Virginia Department of Corrections, expressed grave concerns regarding the incident. He emphasized the daily dangers that officers confront while maintaining safety for the state’s population of over 8.8 million residents. “Our officers are heroes who place their lives at risk each day,” he stated, commending the swift response of the correctional team.
The immediate aftermath of the attack is being closely monitored, and the department is currently conducting an extensive investigation into the incident. Additional details have not been disclosed, but the situation has raised significant concerns regarding security measures and the presence of gang-related violence within correctional facilities.
As law enforcement continues to address the fallout from this event, it serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often perilous environment in which corrections officers operate. The ongoing investigation aims to provide clearer insights into the motivations behind the attack and whether any systemic changes in protocol might prevent future incidents.