Wise County, VA – An intense investigation is currently underway after a brutal and coordinated stabbing attack at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Virginia left multiple corrections officers injured earlier today. The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 AM and involved six inmates, five of whom have been identified as confirmed members of the notorious MS-13 gang, while the sixth is affiliated with the Sureno 13 gang—both of which have long histories of violent criminal activity and organized operations within prison systems.

According to an official press release from the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), the attack unfolded in what officials are describing as a “targeted assault” against prison staff. Initial reports indicate that the assailants used improvised weapons during the ambush, which took place in one of the housing units of the high-security facility. The exact sequence of events is still being pieced together, but early findings suggest a level of planning and coordination that has raised serious concerns about internal gang operations within the prison.

Emergency medical personnel responded quickly to the scene, and several of the injured officers were transported to nearby medical facilities. While the VADOC has not yet released the full extent of their injuries, they have confirmed that at least three officers are in serious but stable condition. The remaining officers sustained less severe injuries and are being treated at local hospitals or within the facility’s medical unit.

Wallens Ridge State Prison, located in the mountainous region of Wise County, is a Level 5 maximum-security prison that houses some of the most dangerous offenders in the state. With a population consisting largely of high-risk inmates, the facility has long contended with the presence of prison gangs, but today’s events have intensified scrutiny on the effectiveness of current security protocols.

“This was a deliberate and vicious attack on our staff,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson during a brief press conference held just hours after the incident. “We are deploying all available resources to ensure the safety of our personnel and to bring those responsible to justice. We will not tolerate violence against our corrections officers.”

The Virginia State Police, in coordination with VADOC’s internal investigations unit and federal partners, has launched a full-scale inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigators are combing through surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and conducting cell searches to determine how the weapons were constructed and how the gang members were able to coordinate such a brazen assault.

MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) and Sureno 13 are two of the most infamous gangs in the United States, both known for their violent tactics, loyalty-based hierarchies, and widespread influence both inside and outside prison walls. Their involvement in this attack raises concerns about organized gang activity within Virginia’s correctional system and has prompted calls from lawmakers and union leaders for an immediate review of gang management policies in high-security facilities.

“This attack underscores the urgent need for improved intelligence-sharing, staff training, and gang-intervention programs,” said James Carter, president of the Virginia Corrections Association. “Our officers risk their lives every day. They deserve better protection and more proactive strategies to deal with gang violence.”

As the investigation unfolds, the six inmates involved have been placed in restrictive housing pending further disciplinary action and potential criminal charges. Additional security measures have also been implemented throughout Wallens Ridge, including lockdown procedures, limited inmate movement, and increased staffing.

Officials are urging the public to await verified updates as the situation continues to develop. No fatalities have been reported at this time, and authorities are optimistic that all injured staff will recover.

More information is expected to be released in the coming days as investigators work to determine how such a breach of security occurred and how to prevent similar attacks in the future.

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