Was Derek Chauvin Stabbed in Prison?

Quick facts

• Date & place: Nov. 24, 2023 — law library at FCI Tucson (federal facility).
• Suspect: Inmate John Turscak, later charged with attempted murder and other federal offenses.
• Injuries: Reports state Chauvin was stabbed 22 times; he was hospitalized and survived.
• Aftermath: The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) notified the FBI; visiting was temporarily suspended; Chauvin was later transferred and, by Aug. 2024, housed at FCI Big Spring, Texas.
• Why it matters: It highlights long-running concerns about staffing, surveillance blind spots, and how BOP manages high-profile inmates.

The short answer, with sources

Multiple mainstream outlets reported the attack and the charges: Reuters initial report on the stabbing, AP on the 22 stab wounds and charges, TIME on the incident and facility context, and Reuters on the Aug. 2024 transfer to Texas.

Full timeline

Before the incident

Chauvin’s state murder conviction (with a 22½-year sentence) and a federal civil-rights sentence (21 years) placed him in BOP custody. In 2022 he was assigned to FCI Tucson, a medium-security facility that also houses a high-security USP on the same complex. Like many federal prisons, FCI Tucson has wrestled with staffing shortages and safety issues—context that matters when asking how a stabbing could happen inside a secured law library.

Nov. 24, 2023 — the attack

On the afternoon of Nov. 24, 2023, in the facility’s law library, inmate John Turscak used an improvised knife (a “shank”) to stab Chauvin. According to charging documents cited by AP and TIME, Turscak allegedly delivered 22 wounds before staff intervened. BOP said employees initiated life-saving measures and transported Chauvin for hospital care. The FBI was notified, and visitation at the complex was temporarily suspended.

Dec. 1, 2023 — charging

Within a week, federal prosecutors charged Turscak with attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Reports note Turscak referenced Chauvin’s notoriety and the date’s symbolism. Charging is not conviction; he is entitled to the presumption of innocence pending trial.

Late 2023–mid 2024 — recovery, custody, reassignment

After treatment, Chauvin returned to federal custody. Through 2024 he moved within the system (including the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City) as BOP evaluated his housing and security needs. High-profile inmates often experience multiple moves—partly for medical/administrative reasons, partly for security.

Aug. 20, 2024 — transfer to Texas

On Aug. 20, 2024, the BOP confirmed Chauvin’s transfer to FCI Big Spring, Texas—a low-security institution. Reuters and other outlets reported the change, which came roughly nine months after the Tucson attack. Transfers are not public-calendar events; BOP typically confirms moves after the fact.

About the suspect: John Turscak

Media coverage identified John Turscak (52 at the time) as the accused attacker. Reports describe him as a former gang figure with a complicated history inside the system. Charging documents reported statements about motive and symbolism. Again, those are allegations—proven only if a court finds them so, or if he pleads guilty.

Injuries and immediate response

Stabbing incidents in custody often end not because the weapon disappears but because staff reach the scene. BOP’s statement said employees “initiated life-saving measures.” AP and Reuters stories the following days reported that Chauvin survived and was in stable condition after hospital treatment.

Was the system at fault?

It’s the question everyone asks. The honest answer is nuanced. Many federal facilities have struggled with staffing, overtime, and physical blind spots (law libraries, showers, certain corridors). Critics say those gaps turn high-profile inmates into “soft targets.” On the other hand, prisons are not hermetically sealed; contraband weapons and opportunistic attacks exist across custody levels. After highly publicized incidents, BOP typically audits procedures, adjusts posts, and—sometimes—reassigns inmates or staff. Rarely does the public get a line-by-line report; that’s frustrating, but it’s the norm.

How “22 stab wounds” was verified

The “22” figure appears in federal charging documents and was reported by AP, TIME, and others. It is not a rumor that began on social media. Be careful with posts that over-dramatize the number or morph it into “22 fatal wounds.” Words matter here.

Separating facts from recurring rumors

• “He died from his injuries.” False. Outlets reported he survived.
• “No one was charged.” False. Turscak was charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder.
• “He was immediately moved to a supermax.” False. He was treated, returned to BOP custody, and later transferred; eventually to FCI Big Spring.
• “BOP never confirms anything.” Partly true. They rarely name inmates in incident statements, but transfers and housing can usually be confirmed after the fact through reputable reporting and the BOP locator.

Why this topic keeps trending

Chauvin’s case is one of the most publicized criminal cases of the century. Any update—appeals, safety incidents, transfers—drives a spike in search interest. Add the modern rumor machine (clips without context, commentary shows quoting commentary shows), and a verified fact like “stabbed but survived” gets warped into “stabbed to death” in a couple of clicks. This guide exists to anchor the conversation in verifiable detail.

What to expect when a high-profile inmate is attacked

1) Immediate medical care & lockdown

Staff will call a medical emergency, begin trauma aid, and lock down affected areas. Visiting is often paused; family and counsel may get minimal information until stability is confirmed.

2) FBI notification & evidence preservation

Serious assaults in federal facilities trigger FBI notification. Expect the law library or housing unit to be treated like a crime scene: video pulled, statements taken, weapon recovered if possible.

3) Administrative review & potential transfers

BOP reassesses the inmate’s security needs. For a controversial inmate, that often means transfer—sometimes temporary (medical), sometimes permanent (new housing that fits risk profile).

4) Court process for the accused

If prosecutors believe the evidence is strong, you’ll see federal charges (as here). Hearings, motions, and trial dates follow. These cases take months, sometimes years.

How to verify updates yourself

• Check mainstream outlets (Reuters, AP, TIME, ABC News). They’re careful about sourcing and corrections.
• Use the BOP Inmate Locator to confirm current facility. (Note: it reports location, not incident details.)
• Look for federal docket entries in PACER for the accused attacker (if you have access) to confirm charges and hearings.
• Be wary of screenshots with red boxes and no links—misinfo 101.

Context on FCI Tucson & safety questions

FCI Tucson has seen scrutiny before around staffing and safety. That doesn’t mean an attack was “inevitable,” but it explains why advocates weren’t shocked. TIME’s explainer after the incident rounded up prior reporting on violence and oversight challenges. Big picture: the federal system has been trying to recruit, retain, and re-train staff post-pandemic; some institutions have done better than others.

Where Chauvin is now (and why that could change)

As of late Aug. 2024, Reuters reported Chauvin at FCI Big Spring, Texas, a lower-security facility. Location can change quietly for medical or security reasons. If you’re quoting his whereabouts in print, always check a recent source.

Why the federal charges against Turscak matter

Attempted-murder cases inside prison are hard to try: there are plenty of witnesses, but many are inmates; there’s often video, but angles and timing matter. Prosecutors will lean on physical evidence (the weapon), injury documentation, and staff testimony. Defense can challenge identity, intent, and whether statements attributed to the accused were voluntary or accurately captured.

What this means for prison policy

Each marquee incident becomes a case study used in oversight hearings and budget debates: do we need more cameras; better staffing ratios; redesigned libraries; more protective-custody beds; different classification for high-profile inmates? None of those are easy fixes. Cameras don’t stop a fast attack. Protective custody can be isolating and litigated as punitive if misused. And moving someone like Chauvin creates new risks in the transfer chain.

Practical takeaways for families and advocates

• Ask for welfare checks the right way. Family can contact a facility’s case manager unit or the BOP’s public information office. Be brief, polite, and specific.
• Document everything. Dates, times, names. If the inmate describes threats, urge them to use the internal request/grievance system in writing.
• Medical follow-up matters. After any serious assault, track whether the inmate received imaging, wound care, pain management, and follow-up scheduling.
• Legal counsel. If there’s litigation or appeals pending, counsel can sometimes obtain more detailed records than family can.

Common questions (quick answers)

• Was Derek Chauvin stabbed in prison? Yes—at FCI Tucson on Nov. 24, 2023.
• How many times? Twenty-two, according to charging documents cited by AP and TIME.
• Did he die? No. He was hospitalized and survived.
• Who was charged? Inmate John Turscak—attempted murder and other counts.
• Where is Chauvin now? Reported at FCI Big Spring, Texas (Aug. 2024)—always check recent sources in case of subsequent moves.

Selected sources

• Reuters — initial confirmation of stabbing at FCI Tucson
• Associated Press — 22 stab wounds & charging details
• TIME — incident overview and facility context
• Reuters — transfer to FCI Big Spring (Aug. 20, 2024)
• ABC News — condition and BOP statement