On Friday, May 2, 2025, at approximately 9:45 a.m., six inmates at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, carried out what authorities describe as a premeditated stabbing attack against correctional officers during morning rounds. Five of those inmates are confirmed members of the MS‑13 gang from El Salvador who were in the United States illegally, and the sixth is a U.S. citizen affiliated with the Sureño 13 gang. Three officers suffered minor injuries and have since been discharged from medical care, while two remain hospitalized in stable condition. Governor Glenn Youngkin condemned the attack and called for full accountability of those involved. The Virginia Department of Corrections has launched a full investigation into how—and why—this coordinated assault occurred.
The Attack
At around 9:45 a.m. on May 2, inmates armed with makeshift knives struck three corrections officers during a routine internal movement at Wallens Ridge State Prison, a maximum‐security facility in Wise County.
Officials say the assault was “apparently premeditated,” indicating the attackers coordinated their actions in advance.
All six inmates involved were restrained on the spot by other officers and moved to a restricted housing unit pending further disciplinary action.
Injuries and Medical Response
A total of five officers were taken to external hospitals for evaluation. Three, who sustained minor lacerations, were released the same day, while two with deeper wounds remain under care.
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) reports that the two still hospitalized are in stable condition and expected to recover fully.
Who Were the Inmates?
- MS‑13 Members (5 inmates): Confirmed El Salvadoran nationals affiliated with the Mara Salvatrucha (MS‑13) gang, each convicted of violent crimes such as first‑ and second‑degree murder, aggravated murder, and rape.
- Sureño 13 Member (1 inmate): A U.S. citizen serving time for second‑degree murder, with known ties to the Sureño 13 gang.
Official Reactions
Virginia DOC Director Chad Dotson emphasized the daily risks corrections officers face and praised the swift response by staff at Wallens Ridge. “Our officers are heroes,” he said, noting that every day they “put their lives on the line” for public safety.
Governor Glenn Youngkin posted on social media on May 3:
“Praying for the full recovery of the three Virginia correctional officers brutally stabbed today in a premeditated attack by MS‑13 gang members, criminal illegal immigrants who should never have been in our country to begin with. Virginia will always stand with the brave men and women who protect and serve our Commonwealth.”
Background on the Gangs
- MS‑13 (Mara Salvatrucha): A transnational criminal organization that originated in Los Angeles but has strong ties to El Salvador. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates over 10,000 members in the country, involved in drug and weapons trafficking, homicide, and human smuggling. In February 2025, the U.S. State Department designated MS‑13 as a terrorist organization.
- Sureño 13: A prison‑born gang with roots in Southern California, engaged in extortion, narcotics distribution, human trafficking, and violent crime.
Context: Immigration Enforcement and Prisons
This incident comes amid broader debates over immigration enforcement and the presence of undocumented immigrants in U.S. prisons. Recent federal efforts have prioritized the removal of non‑citizen criminals, including high‑profile gangs like MS‑13 and Tren de Aragua.
Ongoing Investigation
VADOC has declined to release further details until the internal probe is completed. State and federal authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, inmate communications, and staffing protocols to determine how contraband weapons were obtained and whether any security lapses occurred.
Key Takeaways for Viewers
- Timing & Location: Attack occurred on May 2, 2025, at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Stone Gap, VA.
- Perpetrators: Five MS‑13 members (El Salvadoran nationals here illegally) and one Sureño 13 member (U.S. citizen).
- Victims: Five officers treated; three discharged, two still hospitalized but stable.
- Reactions: Strong condemnations from DOC leadership and Governor Youngkin, highlighting the dangers faced by corrections staff.
- Broader Issues: Raises questions about prison security, gang influence in U.S. prisons, and immigration policy regarding non‑citizen offenders.
By breaking down the facts, timeline, and context, your viewers can better understand not only what happened, but why it matters for public safety, corrections policy, and ongoing debates over gang violence and immigration enforcement.
