Three Virginia correctional officers were hospitalized Friday after allegedly coordinating prisoner attacks with violent MS-13 gangs and another known gang, State Department officials said in a statement.
The incident occurred at 9:45 a.m. at Wallens Ridge State Jail in Wise County. Officials said six inmates participated in the attack.
Five of them are confirmed by the MS-13 gang, originally from El Salvador, and they are illegal in the United States.
All five were convicted of violent crimes, including aggravated murder, first-degree murder, second-degree murder and rape. The sixth inmate, a U.S. citizen and a confirmed member of the Sureño13 gang, was sentenced for second-degree murder.
Graham
A road sign at Valence Ridge State Prison in Virginia marked the Valence Ridge State Prison, which injured three correctional officers Friday in a stabbing. (Google Earth)
“First of all, the five individuals who were ruthlessly attacked absolutely shouldn’t happen,” said Virginia Department of Corrections Director Chad Dotson.
"Every day, our officers make a living to ensure public safety for 8.8 million people throughout the Commonwealth. This attack is an example of the dangers they face when they go to work every day. Our officers are heroes, and I commend the team at Warrens Ridge for responding quickly."
Five officers need medical treatment. The three were discharged from the hospital, including two people who suffered minor injuries during the response. The other two are still in a stable state.
White House Deputy Director Railroad targets MS-13 reporters, TDA coverage
On April 4, a gang member was seen in a cell at the Centre for Terrorism (CECOT) in San Vicente, El Salvador. (Alex Pena/Anadolu via Getty Image)
The incident is under investigation and no additional information has been released.
MS-13 is the abbreviation of Mara Salvatrucha, a transnational criminal gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s. Known for extreme violence, the group has expanded to Central America and across the United States
Law enforcement agencies have linked MS-13 to many violent crimes, including murder, human trafficking, ransomware and drug distribution.
Prisoners remain in a cell at the Mega Pronon, CECOT, where hundreds of MS-13s and 18 street gang members were held in Tecoluca, El Salvador. (Marvin Recinos/AFP via Getty Images)
The Trump administration has raised enforcement actions against violent MS-13 or Trent de Alaguya gang members who illegally entered the country.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Report says hundreds of arrests and deportations are reported every year. Federal and state officials also pointed to concerns about MS-13 activities in the prison system and their wide impact on public safety.
The Virginia Department of Corrections said that once the investigation is completed, more information will be shared.