Authorities in Anamosa, Iowa are mourning the loss of a correctional nurse and officer who have been stabbed to death Tuesday morning.
The identities of the slain Anamosa State Penitentiary workers were not publicly released but officials said that they’ve been attacked by a violent inmate at the prison’s infirmary.
The inmate went on attacking other prisoners and staff members before being restrained. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful and “a result of their injuries, a correctional nurse and correctional officer have died.”
The incident triggered “shockwaves across” the small city of around 5,500 people where “every family has had someone working there.”
“The corrections facility has been here for many, many years,” Mayor Rod Smith said.
“Any loss of life in a small community touches everyone. You try to support the families and close friends of the deceased, and be there for them.”
The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees President Danny Homan described the attack as a “rare situation” in Iowa.”
“No one should ever have to go to work and worry about whether they will come home or not,” he said in a statement.
“Unfortunately for two Iowans who had committed their lives to keep our communities safe, they won’t be going home tonight.”
