SIOUX FALLS, S.D. MITCHELLNOW) South Dakota State Penitentiary officials are calling it a disturbance, while others say it was a riot. Either way, there was an incident at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls late Wednesday afternoon. Video from outside the prison that circulated on social media captured audio from inside the prison where inmates were chanting “We want phones.” The incident allegedly stemmed from the suspension of all communication features on Department of Corrections tablets statewide due to a pending investigation. The tablets are the main source for inmates to communicate with family.
Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko issued a statement last evening that said “Order has been restored at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. After a disturbance, which included a staff assault, the response followed established protocol and was conducted professionally, swiftly, and thoroughly. Thank you to our corrections officers for doing an outstanding job to safely resolve the situation.”