Inmate Charged with Attempted Murder for Stabbing Derek Chauvin

Federal prosecutors have filed charges of attempted murder against John Turscak, the prisoner who attacked former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin last week. The violent incident took place in the law library of the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Tucson, Ariz., where Turscak allegedly stabbed Chauvin 22 times. Turscak reportedly expressed his intention to kill the ex-cop, who is currently serving time for the murder of George Floyd, had prison officials not intervened promptly.

According to the charging documents obtained by a local news outlet, Turscak is facing charges of attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The documents revealed that Turscak meticulously planned the attack, choosing the day after Thanksgiving, commonly known as “Black Friday,” as a symbolic gesture in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Turscak also associated his assault with the “Black Hand” symbol linked to the Mexican Mafia criminal organization.

The killing of George Floyd in May 2020 ignited a civil rights movement and prompted a nationwide reckoning on the historical mistreatment of Black individuals by both institutions and individuals in the United States.

Last week, the Supreme Court rejected Chauvin’s appeal of his murder conviction, further solidifying his legal consequences for Floyd’s death.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) confirmed the attack on November 24th, stating that an inmate had been assaulted and was receiving medical treatment. However, the BOP did not disclose Chauvin’s name in their statement. They did confirm that no employees were injured during the incident and that prompt life-saving measures were taken for the incarcerated individual. The inmate was subsequently transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

A spokesperson for the Minnesota Attorney General’s office announced on Saturday that Chauvin is expected to survive the stabbing incident, providing some relief amid the shocking attack.

FCI Tucson, a medium-security prison, has reportedly faced ongoing challenges concerning security and staffing issues, as highlighted by the Associated Press.