A police dog named Rivan was stabbed and killed while protecting an officer from MS-13 gang members at a state prison in Virginia. The inmates involved were affiliated with MS-13 and were in the US illegally. The dog's sacrifice is being honored with a memorial service.
Key Points
Rivan died protecting the officer during an attack by MS-13 gang members at Sussex I State Prison
Inmates violently and repeatedly stabbed and kicked Rivan
The inmates involved were from El Salvador and Guatemala and were in the US illegally
The inmates had charges including first-degree homicide, attempted rape, kidnapping, and child pornography
Three out of four inmates were known members of MS-13
Pros
Rivan's sacrifice potentially saved the lives of the officer and an inmate
The corrections officer, Phillip Fields, was not seriously injured thanks to Rivan's actions
Cons
The loss of Rivan is tragic and highlights the dangers faced by K-9 units in law enforcement