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Reports of a riot at the Monroe Correctional Complex where inmates have been put in isolation for #COVID19 and where there are now six positive cases among incarcerated individuals. https://twitter.com/KING5Seattle/status/1248082888811134976
Office of @GovInslee says governor has been briefed on situation tonight at Monroe Correctional Complex. I'm told reports are the "situation is under control." Expecting more information from @WACorrections soon.
Have just been told by @WACorrections communications director “I don’t have details to share” re: unrest at Monroe Correctional Center tonight #COVID19
Aerial images from @komonews show dozens of inmates in outdoor yard. Many are on their knees and appear to cuffed behind their backs: https://www.facebook.com/KOMONews/videos/300370564266763/?hc_location=ufi
. @seattletimes reporting that @wastatepatrol spokesperson says "inmates began threatening to set fires and possibly take corrections officers hostage" https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/police-respond-to-disturbance-involving-hundreds-of-inmates-at-monroe-correctional-complex/
I'm speaking with the mother of an individual in Unit B of the Minimum Security Unit at Monroe. She says her son has been sending her "jpay" messages from inside reporting that tensions have been building between inmates and staff over #covid19. So far 6 have tested positive.
I'm also seeing multiple reports online from families of people inside Monroe saying that staff brought McDonald's food into the prison last night for some inmates and that was a cause of friction. Still waiting for any statement or info from @WACorrections
We reported last week on concerns about an outbreak of #covid19 in state prisons. And the pressure @GovInslee is uner to allow early release of some inmates to ease overcrowding. So far, no decisions on early release have been made, or at least announced. https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/post/washington-inmate-fears-coronavirus-could-sweep-through-his-prison-fire
Four hours after incident broke out at Monroe Correctional Center @WACorrections has finally sent out a statement.
. @WACorrections says the disturbance is related to #covid19 cases at the prison.
