The Attica Prison riot occurred at the state prison in Attica, New York, as prisoners revolted to seek better living conditions and political rights. The inmates claimed they were treated as beasts, and their uprising reflected broader demands within the prisoners' rights movement. On September 9, 1971, approximately 1,281 of the roughly 2,200 men incarcerated in the Attica Correctional Facility rioted and took control of the prison, taking 42 staff members hostage. The revolt represented a significant moment in organized prisoner activism against institutional conditions.
During the four days of negotiations that followed the initial takeover, which included the killing of prison officer William Quinn during the violent seizure of the control center, authorities engaged with the prisoners regarding their demands. The prisoners had submitted 28 demands to authorities, and during negotiations, authorities agreed to the majority of these demands. However, two key demands were rejected: the removal of Attica's warden and the provision of complete amnesty from criminal prosecution for the prison takeover.
The riot ended on September 13 with the state's retaking of the prison on the final day. This event resulted in the highest number of fatalities in the history of United States prison riots, with 43 men killed total—33 inmates and 10 correctional officers and employees. Of these deaths, all but one guard and three inmates were killed by law enforcement gunfire during the final assault. The Attica riot has been described as a historic event in the prisoners' rights movement, marking a significant moment in the struggle for prisoner welfare and rights.
43 total deaths: 33 inmates and 10 correctional officers and employees; of these, all but one guard and three inmates were killed by law enforcement gunfire
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