BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WJHL) — Following a reported gang-related stabbing incident at Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Stone Gap, two correctional officers who had been hospitalized are now released as of Thursday.

“Our entire agency is relieved that all five officers involved in this heinous attack have now been

“We are relieved they have been discharged. They are always in our prayers and foremost in our thoughts,” stated VADOC Director Chad Dotson in a news statement. “We wish them a swift recovery, and our support remains with them and the entire Wallens Ridge community. Additionally, I extend my gratitude to the medical staff who provided care to our committed public employees.”

On May 2, an alleged premeditated attack by six inmates resulted in five VADOC officers being hospitalized at the Big Stone Gap facility. Three of these officers were discharged from the hospital on that same day.

Five of the six inmates were confirmed MS-13 gang members from El Salvador who were in the country illegally, each convicted of various crimes including murder and rape, according to the news release.

The other inmate involved is a reported member of the Sureño 13 gang from the United States and is serving a sentence for second-degree murder.

“Our Corrections Officers are public servants who work around the clock to keep the

Commonwealth safe,” Dotson said in the release. “They protect their fellow officers, other corrections team members, people across Virginia, and the inmate population. Please know that our Department will seek to prosecute these inmates, and any inmates who so much as lay a hand on our officers, to the furthest extent of the law.”

The stabbing remains under investigation.