By Mitesh
Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer found guilty of George Floyd’s murder, was reportedly stabbed by another inmate at a federal prison in Arizona. This incident occurred at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, a facility known for security issues and understaffing. An unnamed source familiar with the situation revealed the attack to The Associated Press.
The Bureau of Prisons confirmed an assault at FCI Tucson around 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday. Emergency measures were taken by prison staff, and the injured inmate, unnamed by the agency, was hospitalized for treatment. No staff members were harmed, and the FBI was notified. Visitation rights at the facility have been suspended temporarily.
This assault on Derek Chauvin follows another high-profile attack on a federal prisoner, where disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar was stabbed in a Florida penitentiary. The Tucson prison previously faced an incident in November 2022 when an inmate attempted to shoot a visitor, although the weapon malfunctioned.
Derek Chauvin, 47, had been transferred from a maximum-security Minnesota state prison to FCI Tucson in August 2022. He is serving concurrent federal and state sentences for violating Floyd’s civil rights and second-degree murder.
His attorney, Eric Nelson, had advocated for Derek Chauvin’s safety, expressing concerns about potential threats from other inmates. In Minnesota, Chauvin had been mostly isolated for his protection.
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court declined Chauvin’s appeal of his murder conviction. He is also attempting a slim chance to reverse his federal guilty plea, citing purported new evidence suggesting he didn’t cause Floyd’s death.
Floyd’s death in May 2020 sparked global protests against police brutality and racism after Chauvin, a white officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for nearly 9 and a half minutes.
Chauvin’s stabbing adds to the Bureau of Prisons’ list of security challenges, highlighting the agency’s struggles following past incidents involving high-profile prisoners like Nassar and the suicide of Ted Kaczynski.
An ongoing investigation by The Associated Press has revealed various issues within the Bureau of Prisons, including misconduct by staff, escapes, violence, and severe staffing shortages.
Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters, appointed last year, aimed to reform the agency, acknowledging the need for change in hiring practices and increased transparency. Despite efforts to improve hiring and internal investigations, Peters faced criticism from lawmakers for alleged lack of transparency.
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