In a tragic incident at a Virginia prison, a K-9 police dog was killed by illegal immigrant MS-13 gang members during a vicious attack. The Virginia Department of Corrections confirmed that the inmates involved in the malicious attack are from El Salvador and Guatemala, and at least three are verified members of MS-13.
The department also confirmed that all four of the inmates were in the United States illegally at the time of their arrest and conviction.
God bless Rivan, a heroic K-9 who was killed in the line of duty in Virginia.
These barbaric members of MS-13 will be held accountable. https://t.co/FC9mHwV2bs
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) April 3, 2024
The K-9, named Rivan, was a Belgian Malinois who had been serving with the Virginia Department of Corrections since 2019. Rivan was killed while potentially saving the lives of two people, his assigned Officer and an inmate.
“Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields and her assigned K-9 Rivan were on duty and working in the area at the time of the attack. Officer Phillip Fields and Rivan responded to stop the attack, protect the inmates, and restore order,” the statement noted.
“Rivan was violently and repeatedly stabbed and kicked by the inmates and later tragically died at the facility while VADOC staff attempted lifesaving measures. Officer Phillip Fields, a trained K-9 handler and 4-year veteran of the Department, sustained no serious injuries due to her training and Rivan’s courageous actions.”
Chad Dotson, director of the department of corrections, expressed his condolences and praised Rivan’s sacrifice. “The loss of Rivan is truly tragic, but it is important to remember he did not die in vain,” Dotson said. “He lost his life while potentially saving the lives of two people, his assigned Officer and an inmate. The VADOC will never forget Rivan’s sacrifice.”
The Virginia Department of Corrections has not released any further details about the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
