Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center, Shirley, Massachusetts
January 10, 2017
After a fight broke out during recreation, officers ordered prisoners to return to their cells without showers. This caused a standoff–prisoners refused to return into their cells and forced guards out of the unit. Prisoners took control of a cellblock and destroyed the unit, using fire extinguishers to destroy computers and surveillance cameras and smashing windows, ceiling tiles and sprinkler systems.
The unit was a total loss, according to authorities. There were no reported injuries.
CBS Boston interviewed a former prisoner, Anthony, who witnessed the uprising. Anthony said that prisoners were not fighting each other and said that the uprising was an act of civil disobedience.
Fifteen prisoners later received charges related to the destruction of property.
Damage to prison infrastructure following the uprising at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center (Photo Source: Mass. Department of Corrections via CBS Boston).
