3 Corrections Officers Stabbed by MS-13 Gang Members

Three corrections officers at Wallens Ridge State Prison were stabbed Friday morning in a supposed “premeditated” attack, the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) said.

The alleged attack took place shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday, according to a VADOC press release circulating on X. Five of the six inmates allegedly involved are confirmed members from the MS-13 gang, and the other inmate is a confirmed member of the Sureño 13 gang, officials said.

The MS-13 gang members allegedly involved are from El Salvador and were “in this country illegally,” the press release said. The other inmate is from the U.S. and is currently serving a sentence for second-degree murder, officials added.

“Each have been convicted of violent crimes including aggravated murder, first- and second-degree murder, and rape,” the department of corrections said of the MS-13 members.

Five corrections officers were sent for medical treatment. Two officers remain in the hospital in stable condition, and three officers, including two who sustained minor injuries while responding to the alleged incident, have since been discharged, VADOC said.

“Five of the individuals responsible for this senseless attack should never have been in this country in the first place,” VADOC Director Chad Dotson said in a statement.

“Every single day, our office[r]s 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,” Dotson said.

Officials said the alleged attack is set to be investigated, and there will be no further response until the investigation’s completion.

The alleged incident comes amid a national uproar over the deportation of alleged MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported to El Salvador despite a judge granting him protection from deportation.