Inmate Accused Of Stabbing Derek Chauvin Says The Attack Was A Symbolic Gesture For The Black Lives Matter Movement

The man who allegedly stabbed former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin in prison is said to have carried out the attack in a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

John Turscak, a former member of the Mexican Mafia, allegedly stabbed Chauvin 22 times while they were both incarcerated at a Tucson federal prison. Prosecutors claim that he stated he would have fatally harmed Chauvin had correctional officers not intervened swiftly. Turscak is currently facing charges of attempted murder, assault with the intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in bodily injury.

Turscak, currently serving a 30-year sentence for crimes he committed while functioning as an FBI informant, revealed that he had contemplated stabbing the former police officer convicted of causing the death of George Floyd. According to the criminal complaint, Turscak attacked Chauvin with an improvised knife, with the intention of inflicting bodily harm and committing murder.

Additionally, Turscak informed investigators that he selected Black Friday, the day following Thanksgiving, as the date for his attack because it held symbolic significance for both the Black Lives Matter movement and the ‘Black Hand’ symbol associated with the Mexican Mafia criminal organization.

The assault on the former police officer occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on November 24 inside the facility’s law library. Correctional officers had to employ pepper spray to bring Turscak under control. Chauvin, who is serving a 22-year sentence, was subsequently transported to a hospital for emergency medical treatment following life-saving measures performed by facility employees. During his interview with the FBI, Turscak chose to waive his Miranda Rights and denied any intention to kill Chauvin.