Ex-officer Derek Chauvin, convicted in George Floyd’s killing, stabbed in prison, AP source says

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Derek Chauvin, Convicted in George Floyd’s Murder, Stabbed in Arizona Prison, Says Source to AP

Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer found guilty of murdering George Floyd, suffered a serious injury after being stabbed by a fellow inmate on Friday at an Arizona federal prison, according to an informant close to the situation, who spoke with The Big Big News.

The incident occurred at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, known for its medium-security level, amidst ongoing concerns over security breaches and staff shortages. The informant, who remained anonymous, was not cleared to share the details publicly but spoke under the condition of anonymity.

The Bureau of Prisons verified the assault at FCI Tucson, which took place at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time. In their statement, they mentioned that the staff managed to control the situation and provided immediate life-saving measures. The assaulted inmate, whose identity was not disclosed, received hospital care for further treatment and assessment.

Additional Context:

• The U.S. Supreme Court recently dismissed Chauvin’s appeal of his conviction for Floyd’s murder.
• The Minneapolis City Council has sanctioned a new police station location, replacing the one destroyed in the 2020 protests.

No staff injuries were reported, and the FBI was promptly informed, as per the Bureau of Prisons. The prison, housing around 380 inmates, has temporarily halted visitations.

Requests for comments from Chauvin’s legal team and the FBI have been made.

This attack on Chauvin marks the second notable assault on a federal inmate recently, following the July incident where Larry Nassar, the infamous sports doctor, was stabbed in a Florida penitentiary.

Another significant occurrence at FCI Tucson took place over a year ago, when an inmate in the lower-security camp attempted an armed attack on a visitor, which was foiled due to a firearm malfunction.

Chauvin, aged 47, was transferred to FCI Tucson in August 2022. He is serving a combined 21-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights and a 22½-year state sentence for second-degree murder.

Eric Nelson, Chauvin’s attorney, had previously urged for his client’s segregation from the general prison population, foreseeing potential threats. In Minnesota, Chauvin’s confinement was largely solitary, primarily for his safety, as stated in last year’s court documents by Nelson.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed Chauvin’s challenge to his murder conviction. Chauvin is also attempting to overturn his federal guilty plea on the grounds of new evidence, arguing it disproves his role in Floyd’s death.

George Floyd, a Black man, died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin, a white officer, knelt on his neck for over 9 minutes during an arrest for suspected counterfeit currency use. Floyd’s pleas of “I can’t breathe,” captured in a widely circulated bystander video, sparked global protests and a widespread examination of police brutality and racial inequality.

The other officers present during Floyd’s arrest received lower state and federal sentences for their involvement in his death.

The recent attack on Chauvin highlights ongoing issues within the federal Bureau of Prisons, which has faced criticism, especially after high-profile incidents like Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide in 2019, Larry Nassar’s stabbing, and Ted Kaczynski’s suicide in June at a medical center.

An AP investigation has exposed significant, previously unknown deficiencies within the Bureau of Prisons, a component of the Justice Department with over 30,000 employees, managing around 158,000 inmates and an annual budget nearing $8 billion.

The investigation uncovered widespread misconduct, including staff sexual abuse, numerous escapes, prevalent violence, deaths, and persistent staffing issues affecting emergency responses.

Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters, appointed last year to reform the troubled agency, pledged to modernize hiring practices and enhance transparency. She emphasized the goal of rehabilitating inmates into responsible community members.

Despite taking steps to improve conditions and strengthen internal investigations, Peters has faced criticism from lawmakers for her lack of openness and delayed responses to inquiries.

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This report includes contributions from Big Big News writers Amy Forliti in Minneapolis and Michael Balsamo in New York.

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For more information, follow Michael Sisak at x.com/mikesisak and submit confidential tips at https://www.ap.org/tips/.

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More about Derek Chauvin Stabbing

• Derek Chauvin, convicted in George Floyd’s killing, stabbed in prison
• U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal of former Minneapolis police officer convicted of killing George Floyd
• Minneapolis City Council approves site for new police station; old one burned during 2020 protest
• Larry Nassar stabbed by inmate at federal penitentiary
• AP investigation reveals flaws within the Bureau of Prisons
• Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters’ efforts to reform the agency
• Bureau of Prisons faces criticism and challenges