An assault by inmates at Wallens Ridge State Prison in western Virginia injured five correctional officers, according to the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC). Officials said most of the assailants were members of the MS-13 gang who had entered the United States illegally.
The attack occurred on Friday, May 2, 2025, and involved six inmates, five of whom are confirmed MS-13 gang members originally from El Salvador. These individuals have prior convictions for violent crimes including aggravated murder, first- and second-degree murder, and rape. The sixth inmate is a U.S. citizen affiliated with the Sureño 13 gang and serving a sentence for second-degree murder.
During the incident, three guards sustained stab wounds and were transported for medical treatment along with two other officers who were injured while responding to the attack. Three of the injured officers were treated and released the same day, while two remained hospitalized in stable condition as of Sunday, May 4.
Chad Dotson, Director of the Virginia Department of Corrections, condemned the attack, stating, “Five of the individuals responsible for this senseless attack should never have been in this country in the first place.” He praised the officers for their bravery, emphasizing the daily risks correctional staff face to ensure public safety.
The department described the assault as premeditated and is currently investigating the incident. No further details have been released pending the ongoing inquiry.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin responded on social media, expressing prayers for the full recovery of the injured officers and reiterating support for the Commonwealth’s correctional personnel.
This violent episode highlights the dangers correctional officers face and raises concerns about the presence of violent gang members who entered the country illegally within the prison system.
Sources: Virginia Department of Corrections, CNN, ABC News, CBS News, US News