A group fight broke out Sunday at the Arizona State Prison Complex - Eyman in Florence, leaving several inmates injured and one in the hospital in critical condition. Visitation at the affected unit was suspended as staff and investigators worked to secure the scene and care for the wounded.
According to a statement from the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, the altercation erupted Sunday afternoon in the Rynning Unit and involved multiple inmates. Several people were evaluated and treated by onsite health care staff, while others were transported to off-site hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. One inmate remains hospitalized with serious injuries and is in critical condition. No ADCRR staff were reported hurt. The Rynning Unit remains under curtailment, and visitation there has been canceled until further notice.
Local coverage from ABC15 Arizona reports that the clash appears to have stemmed from a gang-related dispute. Officials have released few additional details while the investigation continues, but the department has urged visitors to keep an eye on agency updates for any changes to visitation.
Department Says the Incident Was Targeted
“ADCRR is confident that this targeted, gang-related incident does not represent a threat to the wider inmate population or ADCRR staff, nor is it reflective of the broader safety conditions inside Arizona’s prisons,” the agency said in its statement. The department added that employee support resources are available at every complex as staff respond to the incident, according to the release.
Context: Violence and Reforms in Arizona Prisons
The Eyman brawl comes amid a series of violent episodes inside Arizona prisons and a wave of policy changes aimed at improving oversight. FOX 10 Phoenix reported that the department has rolled out about 1,300 body-worn cameras and cited early improvements in grievance response times and use-of-force reporting. ABC15 Arizona has also documented recent curtailments and security responses across the state prison system.
Investigators with ADCRR and internal oversight units are reviewing the Eyman incident and say they will provide updates as warranted. Family members and visitors are being advised to monitor official visitation notices and local news reports for schedule changes and further information.
