Former Gang Member Charged with Attempted Murder of Derek Chauvin in Prison Stabbing
A former gang member and FBI informant, John Turscak, has been charged with attempted murder for stabbing former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin at a federal prison in Arizona. Turscak stabbed Chauvin 22 times and admitted that he would have killed him if correctional officers hadn’t intervened quickly. The attack took place in the prison’s law library on November 24, the day after Thanksgiving.
Motivation for the Attack
Turscak, who is serving a 30-year sentence for crimes committed while a member of the Mexican Mafia gang, revealed that he had been contemplating attacking Chauvin for about a month. He targeted Chauvin because the former officer, who was convicted of murdering George Floyd, is a high-profile inmate. However, Turscak later denied wanting to kill Chauvin.
Symbolic Connection to Black Lives Matter Movement
During an interview with FBI agents, Turscak claimed that he attacked Chauvin on Black Friday as a symbolic connection to the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained widespread support following Floyd’s death. He also mentioned the “Black Hand” symbol associated with the Mexican Mafia.
Charges and Potential Sentences
Turscak is facing charges of attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Each of these charges carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Turscak is scheduled to complete his current sentence in 2026.
Chauvin’s Safety Concerns
Chauvin’s lawyer had previously expressed concerns about his safety and advocated for keeping him out of the general population. In Minnesota, Chauvin was mostly kept in solitary confinement for his own protection.
Background of John Turscak
John Turscak, also known as “Stranger,” led a faction of the Mexican Mafia in the late 1990s. He became an FBI informant in 1997 but was later dropped due to his continued involvement in criminal activities. Turscak pleaded guilty to racketeering and conspiring to kill a gang rival in 2001.
Overall, Turscak’s attack on Chauvin highlights the ongoing tensions and potential dangers faced by high-profile inmates in prison.