Two prison guards taken hostage during overnight riot in Tennessee facility.

A violent riot erupted at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in Hartsville, Tennessee, late Sunday evening, during which at least two guards were taken hostage by inmates. The situation escalated when several prisoners refused to return to their cells, resulting in the confinement of three guards and the takeover of a control room. Approximately 100 inmates were subsequently released into the prison yard, leading to significant disorder within the facility.

Authorities reported that the disturbance was brought under control around 1 a.m. on Monday. The hostages were safely released following the intervention of law enforcement, which included the deployment of tear gas to subdue the situation. Several guards were injured during the incident, with some requiring hospitalization. Reports indicate that one guard had clothing removed during the melee, underscoring the chaotic nature of the riot.

CoreCivic, the private company that operates the facility, stated that the unrest began after inmates voicing their discontent engaged in destructive behavior, including setting fires in trash bins and damaging security cameras. Following the incident, three inmates received treatment for minor injuries.

The response to the riot involved approximately 100 law enforcement officials from surrounding areas, along with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, which deployed about 75 state troopers, including those from negotiator and special operations units, to secure the perimeter of the facility. By 1 a.m., authorities had accounted for all inmates after a thorough headcount conducted Monday morning.

In light of the events, CoreCivic confirmed that the facility is currently on lockdown while an investigation is underway in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC). The company indicated that chemical agents were employed in accordance with established protocols during the incident.

The riot occurred just a day after two inmates allegedly assaulted a correctional officer at the same facility. This latest incident adds to ongoing scrutiny surrounding Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, which has faced a civil investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice over claims of inhumane conditions and chronic understaffing. The facility’s longstanding issues with violence have prompted legislative action, including a recent bill aimed at penalizing CoreCivic for excessive mortality rates in its prisons.

CoreCivic, which manages four of the 14 prisons in Tennessee, claims on its official website a commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to all individuals in its custody, a pledge that continues to face significant public and governmental scrutiny amidst these troubling developments.