Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer convicted in the high-profile murder of George Floyd, has been reportedly stabbed by another inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona.
The incident occurred on Friday, leaving Chauvin seriously injured, according to an individual familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
The assault transpired at the medium-security prison, FCI Tucson, which has been grappling with security lapses and understaffing issues.
The Bureau of Prisons confirmed the attack, revealing that it took place around 12:30 p.m. local time.
Responding staff at the facility contained the situation and administered “life-saving measures” before the injured inmate, whose identity was not disclosed, was transported to a hospital for further treatment and evaluation.
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The FBI has been notified, and no prison employees were harmed during the incident. As a precautionary measure, visiting privileges at the facility, housing approximately 380 inmates, have been temporarily suspended.
This marks the second high-profile attack on a federal prisoner in recent months, following the stabbing of disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar in a Florida federal penitentiary in July.
Derek Chauvin, 47, had been transferred to FCI Tucson from a maximum-security prison in Minnesota in August 2022, where he was serving concurrent federal and state sentences totaling over 40 years for the death of George Floyd.
Chauvin’s lawyer, Eric Nelson, had previously advocated for keeping him out of the general population due to safety concerns.
Chauvin’s stabbing comes on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of his appeal last week. Additionally, he is attempting to overturn his federal guilty plea, claiming new evidence that disputes his responsibility for Floyd’s death.
This incident further highlights concerns about the Bureau of Prisons’ ability to ensure the safety of high-profile inmates.
The agency has faced increased scrutiny in recent years, with notable incidents including the suicide of Jeffrey Epstein in 2019, Nassar’s stabbing, and the suicide of the “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski in June.
An ongoing investigation by The Associated Press has revealed significant flaws within the Bureau of Prisons, including sexual abuse by staff, escapes, violence, deaths, and severe staffing shortages. Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters, appointed last year to address these challenges, has faced criticism for delays in providing information to lawmakers and questions about the agency’s transparency and operations.
This incident adds to the growing list of incidents raising concerns about the Bureau of Prisons’ ability to fulfill its mission and ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.