Five MS-13 gang members stab corrections officers in Virginia prison attack

In Virginia, three corrections officers were injured in a violent attack by inmates on May 3, 2025, at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Wise County. The assault occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m. and involved a group of inmates, including five confirmed members of the notorious MS-13 gang. These individuals are originally from El Salvador and had entered the United States illegally. Each of the five has prior convictions for severe crimes, including aggravated murder, first-degree murder, and rape. A sixth inmate, a U.S. citizen affiliated with the Sureño 13 gang, was also involved, serving a sentence for second-degree murder. The assault has raised serious concerns about the safety of prison staff, as corrections officers put their lives at risk daily for public safety. Following the incident, five officers required medical attention, with three being discharged from the hospital and two remaining in stable condition. This attack has highlighted the ongoing issue of violent crime among gang-affiliated inmates in U.S. prisons, sparking debates about immigration policies and public safety. The Virginia Department of Corrections has stated that further information will be provided after the investigation concludes. Meanwhile, the violent reputation of MS-13 continues to be a challenge for law enforcement agencies across the nation, exacerbated by their involvement in various criminal activities such as human trafficking and drug distribution. The Trump administration previously ramped up enforcement actions targeting these gangs, which have reportedly led to numerous arrests and deportations of gang members. The consequences of this violent incident reverberate beyond the immediate injuries sustained by corrections officers, raising alarms about the safety measures in place within correctional facilities and calling into question the broader implications for community safety in Virginia and elsewhere.