Corrections officer killed in brutal inmate assault on Christmas in Ohio
- Officer Andrew Lansing was fatally attacked by inmate Rashawn Cannon on Christmas morning.
- The incident occurred at the Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe, Ohio.
- Chambers-Smith described the loss as a tragedy and emphasized the need for support in correctional facilities.
In the United States, a tragic incident occurred at the Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe, Ohio, on Christmas morning when corrections officer Andrew Lansing was assaulted by an inmate. The attack, which happened around 7:15 AM, resulted in Officer Lansing being taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead due to his injuries. This shocking event drew immediate attention from authorities, highlighting the serious risks faced by corrections officers working in challenging environments. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction confirmed the identification of the inmate as 27-year-old Rashawn Cannon, who was already serving time for felonious assault and weapon-related charges. Cannon was reported to be incarcerated at the facility since the incident in September 2023 and was scheduled to be released on August 5, 2030. After the assault, Cannon was transferred to the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, a higher security prison, as investigations were underway. In a statement regarding the incident, Annette Chambers-Smith, the Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of Officer Lansing, describing the event as a tragedy beyond comprehension. Lansing was noted to be a dedicated and respected officer, widely appreciated by his colleagues for his support and professionalism. His untimely death, especially on a holiday, was termed a significant loss for both his immediate family and the larger corrections community. As a result of the incident, Ross Correctional Institution has been placed on lockdown, limiting inmate movement while law enforcement conducts an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the assault. National attention has turned towards the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel, particularly in correctional facilities, raising awareness about the need for enhanced safety protocols and support for officers in the line of duty.