Attica Prison riots

The Attica Prison riots were general prison uprisings that occurred at the Attica Correctional Facility in Attica, New York, United States, on September 9, 1971. The four-day revolt ended when over 1,000 New York state police and National Guardsmen stormed the facility. Over 40 people died, including 11 of the 38 hostages. The prisoners had demanded better living conditions, showers, education, and vocational training.

Related Topics:
Prison - Attica Correctional Facility - Attica, New York - United States - September 9 - 1971 - New York - National Guard

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Media reports claimed that inmate hostage-takers slit the throats of many of their hostages, reports that contradicted official medical evidence. Newspaper headlines made statements such as "I Saw Slit Throats," implying that prisoners had cut the hostages' throats when the armed raid occurred. These "reports" were later found to be largely fictitious. Most hostages killed were shot by state troopers or National Guardsmen.

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The Attica riots were notable in that they directed national media attention to the condition of prisons in the United States during the 1960s and early 1970s. The riots also revealed for the first time how American prison systems operated in regards to race issues, as many of the prison guards were seen as bigots.

Related Topics:
United States - 1960s - 1970s

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