A startling incident unfolded at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona, resulting in the charging of an incarcerated former gang member, John Turscak, with attempted murder in the stabbing of ex-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin. Turscak reportedly stabbed Chauvin 22 times, a violent act that authorities assert would have been fatal if not for the swift response of correctional officers.
Turscak, serving a 30-year sentence linked to his involvement with the Mexican Mafia gang, revealed to investigators that he had contemplated attacking Chauvin for approximately a month. Prosecutors revealed that the motivation behind the assault was Chauvin’s high-profile status as the convicted murderer of George Floyd. Despite initial statements indicating intent to kill, Turscak later refuted this claim.
The assault occurred at around 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving, within the prison’s law library. The Bureau of Prisons intervened swiftly, halting the attack and administering urgent medical aid to Chauvin, who was subsequently hospitalized for treatment.
Turscak allegedly informed FBI agents that the assault on Chauvin coincided with Black Friday, symbolically linking it to the Black Lives Matter movement and the “Black Hand” symbol associated with the Mexican Mafia.
Facing multiple charges including attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, Turscak, 52, could potentially face up to 20 years in prison for each major charge. He is slated to complete his ongoing sentence in 2026.
Currently without legal representation listed in court records, Turscak has previously represented himself in various legal proceedings. Following the stabbing, he was transferred to a neighboring federal penitentiary in Tucson, where he remained in custody as of Friday.
Chauvin, serving concurrent state and federal sentences related to George Floyd’s murder, had been strategically kept away from the general prison population for security reasons. His lawyer had advocated for such measures given the anticipation of Chauvin being a potential target among fellow inmates.
This incident sheds light on the complex backgrounds of both individuals involved. Turscak, once an FBI informant with ties to the Mexican Mafia, has now found himself entangled in a violent confrontation, while Chauvin’s imprisonment stemmed from his infamous role in Floyd’s tragic death that sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice.
The case underscores the challenges within the prison system, particularly concerning the safety of high-profile inmates. As legal proceedings progress, this incident remains a testament to the intricacies and dangers prevalent in correctional facilities, drawing attention to broader discussions around crime, punishment, and the welfare of incarcerated individuals.
