Four Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) correctional officers at the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Rush City (MCF-Rush City) were taken to local hospitals for medical assessment and treatment following an attack by an incarcerated individual at approximately 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025. 

Facility staff were doing routine cell searches when they encountered an incarcerated person who was suspected of being in possession of homemade alcohol (“hooch”). When officers approached, the incarcerated person assaulted staff with a makeshift weapon (shank). 

One officer sustained a puncture wound and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The officer is currently undergoing treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to fully recover. Three other officers, who subdued and restrained the individual, were later transported to the hospital by state vehicle. These officers have since been evaluated and released. 

Following the assault, the facility was placed on lockdown status, and the incarcerated man responsible is being transferred to the DOC’s maximum-security facility in Oak Park Heights. While the area where the attack occurred will remain on lockdown over the weekend, the rest of the facility resumed normal operations last night. 

The DOC’s Office of Special Investigations is investigating the incident. When completed, the case will be referred to the Chisago County Attorney’s Office for review and consideration of felony assault charges. 

The incarcerated man responsible for the assault is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, and he has been housed at MCF-Rush City since his sentencing. 

“This senseless act of violence serves as a stark reminder of the dangers correctional staff face every day in service to public safety,” said Paul Schnell, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections. “We are grateful for the swift and courageous actions of our staff, and we are providing them the care and support they need. We will pursue every available remedy to hold the assailant accountable for this cowardly attack,” Schnell added. 

Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.