Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been transferred back to prison custody after being attacked and stabbed multiple times by another inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona. Chauvin, who is serving a 22-year sentence for the murder of George Floyd, was attacked in the prison library by John Turscak, a fellow inmate serving a 30-year sentence for crimes committed while a member of the Mexican Mafia prison gang. Turscak admitted to planning the attack for about a month, stating that he chose the day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, as a symbolic connection to the Black Lives Matter movement and the “Black Hand” symbol associated with the Mexican Mafia gang.

Chauvin's family expressed concerns about the prison's ability to protect him from further harm and questioned whether any changes had been made to address the faulty procedures that allowed the attack to occur. Chauvin's attorney, Gregory Erickson, stated that the family had received confirmation from Chauvin himself that the details in the charging document were accurate. The attack took place in the law library, where Turscak approached Chauvin from behind and stabbed him with an improvised knife.

After the attack, correctional officers quickly intervened, using pepper spray to subdue Turscak. Chauvin's injuries were serious, but he survived the assault. Turscak, now facing charges of attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, admitted to authorities that he would have killed Chauvin if not for the swift response by the officers.

Chauvin's legal team is now working to have him transferred from the Tucson prison unless significant changes are made to ensure his safety. Erickson stated that their attempts to learn about any changes being made were rebuffed. Turscak, who is scheduled to complete his current sentence in 2026, remains in custody at an adjacent federal penitentiary in Tucson.

The stabbing of Chauvin highlights the dangers faced by high-profile inmates and raises questions about prison security and procedures. Chauvin's case, which sparked widespread protests and a national reckoning on police brutality and racism, has drawn significant attention, making him a target while in custody. The attack serves as a reminder of the volatility and risk inherent in the prison system, particularly for inmates with notoriety or controversial cases.