New video that sources gave to NY1 shows inmates at a Rikers Island jail facility brutally assaulting a correction officer, according to the correction officers' union.
The Correction Officers' Benevolent Association said four inmates, who are alleged members of the Bloods gang, fractured the officer's spine. At least one other inmate was involved.
It all happened at the George Motchan Detention Center around 6:27 p.m. Saturday. That facility is scheduled to close this year.
One inmate knocked the officer unconscious. That is when the others began to punch and kick the victim, the union said.
Sources tell us the officer is Jean Souffrant, 39, who has been on the job for less than two years.
Sources say the inmates involved are Eric Morris, Samson Walston, Nazeem Francis, Steven Espinal, and Devin Burns.
Morris, Walston, and Francis were jailed for a range of charges, while Burns and Espinal are serving time for attempted murder. The suspects are under the age of 20.
Department of Correction Commissioner Cynthia Brann issued a statement, saying, "We are arresting anyone involved in this ruthless attack and we are working with the Bronx District Attorney's office to bring serious charges."
Correction Officers' Benevolent Association President Elias Husamudeen blamed Mayor Bill de Blasio for enacting policies that, he said, is making city jails more dangerous.
"Rikers Island, New York City jails have a gang problem. We have a gang problem. And this mayor has proven to be either unwilling or unable to address this problem or even wanting to address this problem," Husamudeen said Sunday at a news conference. "He seems to be handling this the way he's handling everything else, such as NYCHA, such as the Administration of Children's Services — he's a bad manager."
The mayor's spokesperson said his office is working to get to the bottom of the attack and will hold those responsible accountable.