Deadly Attack At Anamosa State Penitentiary

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A nurse and a correctional officer at the Anamosa State Penitentiary have died after being attacked by an inmate Tuesday morning.

State officials said in a news release the inmate attacked multiple staff members and inmates in the prison's infirmary around 10:15 AM. They confirmed the deaths, but did not release any names.

According to state authorities, additional security staff rushed in and restrained the inmate. The staff attempted life-saving first aid on the nurse and correctional officer until paramedics arrived. The two victims later died as a result of their injuries, officials said.

This incident is being investigated jointly by the Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, both of which are part of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. According to state officials, authorities are collecting and confirming details of the assault. Information that has been gathered is preliminary and subject to change pending verification and additional details, state officials said.

Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued the following statement on the deadly attack:

Today, our state grieves the loss of two public servants who were attacked while on duty at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. My prayers and deepest condolences are with their families, friends, and colleagues as they begin to cope with this senseless tragedy. We will exhaust every available resource to deliver justice to those who committed this act and bring a sense of closure and peace to the victims’ families.

Reynolds also announced plans to order all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff on the day(s) the victims are laid to rest.

Corrections officials said more details on the incident will be released as they become available in coordination with the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Authorities plan to give an update on the incident Wednesday at a 3 PM press conference, which will be held in front of the penitentiary in Anamosa.