Three officers stabbed in coordinated MS-13 gang attack at Virginia state prison

Three officers at a Virginia state prison were stabbed Friday morning in a premeditated attack involving several members of the MS-13 gang, according to the Virginia Department of Corrections.

In a statement released by the department, the assault occurred around 9:45 am at Wallens Ridge State Prison. Of the six inmates involved, five are confirmed MS-13 gang members from El Salvador who are in the United States illegally. Each has been convicted of violent crimes, including aggravated murder, first- and second-degree murder, and rape. The sixth inmate is a confirmed member of the Sureño 13 gang from the US and is serving time for second-degree murder.

"Five of the individuals responsible for this senseless attack should never have been in this country in the first place," said Chad Dotson, Virginia Department of Corrections Director. "Every single day, our officers put their lives on the line to ensure public safety for the more than 8.8 million people across the Commonwealth. This attack is an example of the dangers they face when they show up to work every day. Our officers are heroes, and I commend the team at Wallens Ridge for their swift response."

Five officers were taken for outside medical treatment following the incident. Three officers, including two who sustained minor injuries while responding to the attack, were treated and released. Two officers were admitted to the hospital but are currently in stable condition.

The Virginia Department of Corrections said the incident remains under investigation and that additional details will be released once the investigation is completed.