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Inmate who stabbed Derek Chauvin 22 times is charged with attempted murder, prosecutors say

by Ethan Kim
1 comment
Prison Stabbing

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A former gang leader and one-time FBI informant named John Turscak has been charged with attempted murder for a brutal attack on Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer infamous for his involvement in the death of George Floyd. According to federal prosecutors, Chauvin was stabbed a shocking 22 times while in prison.

The incident took place on November 24th at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona, just a day after Thanksgiving, commonly known as Black Friday. Turscak allegedly used an improvised knife to assault Chauvin in the prison’s law library. Fortunately, correctional officers swiftly intervened, using pepper spray to subdue Turscak and administering life-saving measures to Chauvin before he was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Turscak, who is currently serving a 30-year sentence for crimes committed as a member of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, reportedly told investigators that he had contemplated attacking Chauvin for a month. His motive, he claimed, was not to kill but to make a symbolic connection between the assault and the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained immense momentum following George Floyd’s tragic death in 2020. Furthermore, Turscak mentioned a connection to the “Black Hand” symbol associated with the Mexican Mafia.

In addition to the charge of attempted murder, John Turscak faces multiple other charges, including assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted, these charges could result in up to 20 years of additional imprisonment. Turscak’s current sentence is scheduled to end in 2026.

As of now, no lawyer is listed in court records representing Turscak, who has previously represented himself in various legal matters from prison. Meanwhile, Chauvin’s legal team has not provided any comments regarding the incident. Chauvin’s mother, Carolyn Runge Pawlenty, also remains silent on the matter.

Derek Chauvin, aged 47, had been transferred to FCI Tucson from a maximum-security Minnesota state prison in August 2022 to serve concurrent sentences of 21 years at the federal level for violating George Floyd’s civil rights and 22½ years at the state level for second-degree murder. His lawyer, Eric Nelson, had advocated for Chauvin’s separation from the general inmate population to protect him, citing concerns that he might become a target.

It is worth noting that the U.S. Supreme Court recently rejected Chauvin’s appeal of his murder conviction, and he is currently pursuing a challenging effort to overturn his federal guilty plea, claiming new evidence exonerates him from causing Floyd’s death.

The tragic death of George Floyd, a Black man, on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on his neck for nearly 9½ minutes, sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racism, both in the United States and internationally.

Chauvin’s stabbing incident highlights ongoing concerns about the federal Bureau of Prisons, which has faced increased scrutiny due to issues such as the beating death of James “Whitey” Bulger in 2018 and the jail suicide of financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2019. Furthermore, Turscak’s criminal history, which includes his past involvement as an FBI informant and subsequent criminal activities, adds complexity to this disturbing incident.


This revised text provides a detailed and formal account of the incident while maintaining a serious tone, as per your instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Prison Stabbing

What were the charges brought against John Turscak for the stabbing incident?

John Turscak was charged with attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Why did John Turscak target Derek Chauvin?

Turscak targeted Derek Chauvin due to Chauvin’s notoriety for his involvement in the death of George Floyd, which had garnered significant public attention.

What was the motive behind the stabbing according to John Turscak?

Turscak claimed that he stabbed Chauvin as a symbolic connection to the Black Lives Matter movement and the “Black Hand” symbol associated with the Mexican Mafia.

What actions were taken to subdue John Turscak during the attack?

Correctional officers used pepper spray to subdue Turscak, and life-saving measures were administered to Derek Chauvin before he was taken to a hospital for treatment.

What is the potential legal consequence for John Turscak if he is convicted of the charges?

If convicted, Turscak could face up to 20 years in prison for the attempted murder and assault with intent to commit murder charges, in addition to his existing 30-year sentence.

How had Derek Chauvin been housed in prison prior to the attack?

Derek Chauvin had been mainly kept in solitary confinement in Minnesota state prison “largely for his own protection,” according to court papers.

What recent legal developments were mentioned regarding Derek Chauvin?

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Chauvin’s appeal of his murder conviction, and Chauvin is attempting to overturn his federal guilty plea with claims of new evidence.

What led to John Turscak becoming an FBI informant initially?

Turscak became an FBI informant in 1997, providing information about the Mexican Mafia prison gang and recordings of conversations with its members and associates.

Why was John Turscak dropped as an FBI informant?

The FBI dropped Turscak as an informant because he continued engaging in criminal activities, including drug dealing, extortion, and authorizing assaults.

More about Prison Stabbing

  • [Derek Chauvin Stabbed 22 Times in Prison](Insert link here)
  • [Former Gang Leader Charged with Attempted Murder](Insert link here)
  • [John Turscak’s Motive for Attacking Chauvin](Insert link here)
  • [Legal Consequences for John Turscak](Insert link here)
  • [Derek Chauvin’s Previous Prison Housing](Insert link here)
  • [Recent Legal Developments for Derek Chauvin](Insert link here)
  • [John Turscak’s Role as an FBI Informant](Insert link here)
  • [Reasons for Turscak’s Removal as an FBI Informant](Insert link here)

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1 comment

LegalEagle101 December 2, 2023 - 11:11 am

If Turscak getz convictd, he cud get lotsa yrs in prison, rite?

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