In the early hours of Saturday, a shooting broke out near the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas, where Ghislaine Maxwell is currently incarcerated. According to NBC News sources, officers from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) reacted quickly after hearing gunfire outside the facility around 1:15 a.m.
No staff or guards were harmed in the incident. Initial reports indicate the gunfire was linked to a block party nearby, involving rival groups in a shootout. Interestingly, this altercation was not directly related to Maxwell’s situation.
Witnesses in the area describe the scene vividly. Daisy Perez, a resident, recounted her fear when she heard the shots while with her children at home. “Everything happened very fast,” she said. While she expressed distress over the violence, she noted that such events are uncommon in her neighborhood.
The BOP is currently investigating the incident. They expressed gratitude for the swift response from their staff and local law enforcement.
Maxwell’s transition to this minimum-security prison has been controversial. Critics argue that given her serious charges, it is inappropriate for her to be housed in such a facility. Following her transfer earlier this month, the prison increased its security measures.
According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, violent incidents near prison facilities are not unprecedented, although this particular event highlights the challenges surrounding security in and around correctional institutions. The BOP is working to enhance safety protocols, especially since this incident occurred near high-profile inmates like Maxwell.
For more on prison safety and statistics, you can refer to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
