On Tuesday, an altercation at Ely State Prison, a maximum-security facility in eastern Nevada, resulted in the deaths of three inmates and injuries to nine others. The Nevada Department of Corrections reported that all injured individuals were transported for medical treatment, but did not provide additional details about the incident or the identities of the deceased. No prison officers were harmed during the altercation.
The conflict appears to have originated from tensions between rival gangs within the prison. There are growing concerns about possible retaliation and further violence as the situation unfolds. The Nevada Department of Corrections has yet to provide more information about the specifics of the altercation or the conditions of those injured.
As the investigation continues, Ely State Prison remains on lockdown to ensure the safety of inmates and staff. This lockdown will help authorities gather more information and address any potential threats stemming from the incident. The prison’s unique status as Nevada’s only maximum-security facility adds to the complexity of the situation.
Ely State Prison, which can house up to 1,183 inmates and employs over 400 staff members, has a history of unrest. In December 2022, a hunger strike by inmates highlighted concerns over unsafe conditions and inadequate food. The facility also holds some of Nevada’s death row inmates, contributing to its high-profile and tense environment.