Five corrections officers were injured at Auburn Correctional Facility.
According to NYSCOPBA, the union representing corrections officers, the incident happened on December 6 when an incarcerated individual who was being escorted to his cell refused to enter it. He then lunged at officers, attempting to headbutt one but was unsuccessful. After being forced to the floor by guards, he continued to fight, even spitting at them; this resulted in staff putting a spit net over him. Six officers were needed to restrain the individual.
Once he became compliant, he was brought to his feet. This is when he headbutted one officer in the forehead.
Staff were able to get the 25-year-old convicted murderer back in the cell but he remained combative, needing to be forced to the floor once more.
After the incident, one CO noticed a laceration on his arm and shoulder pain. An examination determined that the laceration was “consistent with a cutting-style weapon.” A second officer sustained ankle and elbow injuries. These two were taken to Auburn Community Hospital for treatment.
Three other officers were treated at the prison for knee, shoulder, elbow, and forehead injuries. They were able to remain on duty, however.
A search of the incarcerated individual and the surrounding area failed to turn up any weapon.
NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President Kenny Gold blamed the attack on the state’s HALT Act and other prison reforms made by the legislature.
The men in women that work for New York State, never committed a crime to walk inside the walls and fences, but sure feel that the legislators that supported HALT could care less if they lived or died protecting their communities. It is clear that the HALT Act, which progressives in the legislature championed, has been an utter failure but somehow, someway, the legislators will find a way to spin it that it’s alright [sic] cut and headbutt our members like what just happened at Auburn!” – stated, Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President.
Gold went on to claim that inmate-on-staff assaults are on pace to increase 15% from 2022. 2022, he said, saw assaults increase 36% from 2021.
The incarcerated individual involved in the attack was convicted in Kings County in 2019 for the murder of a 36-year-old after shooting the victim in the head in his own apartment.
