Former police officer Derek Chauvin, who gained infamy for the killing of George Floyd, recently became the victim of a brutal attack by an inmate in Tucson. Identified as John Turscak, the inmate stabbed Chauvin approximately 22 times using an improvised knife. The incident occurred on November 24 inside the law library of the Federal Correctional Institution. Chauvin sustained serious bodily injuries but was quickly subdued by federal corrections officers, who used OC spray.
Turscak, facing charges of attempted murder, disclosed that he had been planning the attack for about a month. He claimed that the assault was symbolic, aligned with the Black Lives Matter movement, and associated with the Mexican Mafia criminal organization. In addition to attempted murder, Turscak is charged with assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
If convicted, attempted murder and assault with intent to commit murder carry a maximum penalty of 20 years’ incarceration, while assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ incarceration. The consequences of these charges could have a significant impact on Turscak’s future.
Currently, Chauvin is serving two concurrent sentences for Floyd’s murder. He received a 22-and-a-half-year sentence for state charges and a 21-year sentence for federal charges. The acts committed by Chauvin, who knelt on George Floyd’s neck and back in May 2020, sparked nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality. A 2022 report by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights further exposed a pattern or practice of race discrimination within the city and its police department.
At the time of reporting, comments from Chauvin’s attorney were not obtained. As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this shocking incident will impact the already highly controversial case surrounding George Floyd’s death and the ongoing quest for justice.
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