Federal Prisons Across America Are On A Nationwide Lockdown After 2 Texas Inmates Died
The federal prison system is on a nationwide lockdown after two inmates were killed during a gang fight at a penitentiary in Texas.
The incident happened around 11:30 a.m. Monday at USP Beaumont, a federal prison in Beaumont, Texas. The altercation was between members of the MS-13 street gang.
This attack is just the latest example of the violence in the federal Bureau of Prisons. The agency has struggled with many hurdles in recent years. Problems like; widespread staffing shortages, serious employee misconduct, escapes, and deaths are some of the issues faced.
The lockdown is being issued at more than 120 federal prisons across America. The fear is the potential retaliation and violence that could spread and to other facilities.
During a nationwide lockdown, inmates are kept in their cells most of the day and visiting is canceled.
The use of a nationwide lockdown is relatively rare. Only recently due to coronavirus has nationwide wide lockdowns been used, until now.
Andrew Pineda, 34, and Guillermo Riojas, 54, were pronounced dead at a local hospital after the attack. Two other prisoners were injured and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
