BREAKING: Guards Taken Hostage at Vaughn Correctional Center

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1. nemski says:

   February 1, 2017 at 1:54 pm

   Prison officials have announced this is a hostage situation at the Prison in Smyrna https://t.co/27W5gKrdOo #netde

   — Jessica Reyes (@JessicaMasulli) February 1, 2017

2. nemski says:

   February 1, 2017 at 1:55 pm

   DOC have officially confirmed that it's a hostage situation at Vaughn Correctional Center. #netde pic.twitter.com/jArSxOESh9

   — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

3. nemski says:

   February 1, 2017 at 1:56 pm

   Scene at Vaughn prison near Smyrna #netDE pic.twitter.com/9eJFqztbMQ

   — Delaware State News (@TheStateNews) February 1, 2017

4. nemski says:

   February 1, 2017 at 1:59 pm

   In the meantime, here's what you need to know about Vaughn. There are multiple buildings here on the property, all far back from road #netde pic.twitter.com/TETb8EG8x9

   — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

5. nemski says:

   February 1, 2017 at 1:59 pm

   Still more police arriving on scene. Only update from DOC has been to say there's officially a hostage situation.

   — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

6. nemski says:

   February 1, 2017 at 2:03 pm

   PHOTO GALLERY: Hostage situation at Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna. https://t.co/KPpmCixAfq #netDE

   — delawareonline (@delawareonline) February 1, 2017

7. donviti says:

   February 1, 2017 at 2:04 pm

   I freaking told him to wait for me at midnight!

8. nemski says:

   February 1, 2017 at 2:04 pm

   @JohnCarneyDE's office referred to a brief statement@ the hostage situation from correction department & declined further comment

   — Delaware State News (@TheStateNews) February 1, 2017

9. nemski says:

   February 1, 2017 at 2:12 pm

   Hostage situation at Vaughan correctional in Smyrna – one person just rushed out on stretcher. Working on more details for @NBCPhiladelphia

   — Tim Furlong (@tfurlong) February 1, 2017

10. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    UPDATE: Guards taken hostage by inmates at Delaware prison https://t.co/XDPodbkLgp #netDE

    — WHYY Delaware (@whyyfirst) February 1, 2017

11. liberalgeek says:

    February 1, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    http://6abc.com/live/23387/

    Live helicopter coverage

12. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    ^^^ Just like California.

13. liberalgeek says:

    February 1, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Part of me wonders if this guy is involved:

    http://www.cbsnews.com/news/delaware-court-gunmans-son-daughter-sentenced-to-life-in-prison/

14. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    We're here at a staging area a short distance away from the prison waiting for updates. Not sure when we'll get new info #netde @WDDE911 https://t.co/cWoXcCHAeE

    — James Dawson (@RadioDawson) February 1, 2017

15. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:02 pm

    Again, still no update from DOC on what is happening here at the prison. Lots of rumors but nothing confirmed other than hostage situation

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

16. mediawatch says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:06 pm

    @lg: probably not. he was sentenced on federal charges, so he’s most likely in a federal prison.

17. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:08 pm

    Granted, we've seen dozens of police arrive, huge presence from state police. Also have SWAT and SORT teams too #netde

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

18. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:11 pm

    I'm not on scene but the president of the correctional officers union told @TheStateNews earlier inmates had taken control of Vaughn.

    — Matthew Bittle (@MatthewCBittle) February 1, 2017

19. liberalgeek says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    Right you are, MediaWatch. He’s in VA.

20. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    I did not know that there was a DELDOT Emergency Response Unit.

    DELDOT Emergency Response Unit just arrived at Vaughn prison near Smyrna #netde #delaware

    — Suchat Pederson (@SuchatPederson) February 1, 2017

21. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    I did not personally see fire but DOC confirmed earlier that firefighters (not paramedics) were first called to the scene. https://t.co/7GizTwiItb

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

22. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:19 pm

    This is interesting.

    Seeing the hashtag #vaughnrebellion popping up on Twitter. https://t.co/Mc84qxMXAB

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

23. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    Police mobilize outside Vaughn Correctional Center in #Smyrna, Delaware, scene of inmate rebellion. #VaughnRebellion pic.twitter.com/SONzy4Hhew

    — #J20 (@Delo_Taylor) February 1, 2017

24. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:24 pm

    SWAT teams turning around, heading back toward main part of prison. We're at CVOP building away from campus. #netde pic.twitter.com/HFO78hyERc

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

25. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    More footage from helicopters.

    http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2017/02/01/delaware-prison-lockdown/

26. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    UPDATE: Inmates have taken control over a building and have taken 3-5 guards hostage at max security prison in Delaware. #BREAKING #Smyrna

    — Above Average Joes (@AA_Joes) February 1, 2017

27. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    The News Journal has received several calls from inside the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center. Audio here: https://t.co/r0UDzDqFUB #netDE

    — Damian G. (@VideoDamian) February 1, 2017

28. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    .@DelmarvaBlood asking for more O blood type and platelet donations. This is in response to news about Smyrna hostage situation. #netde https://t.co/OYRj0xdzWf

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

29. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    Listen to the audio recording in which an inmate told me he and 126 others are being held hostage #netde #courtsde https://t.co/27W5gKrdOo

    — Jessica Reyes (@JessicaMasulli) February 1, 2017

30. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    Unconfirmed report inmates @ Vaughn Correctional complained to Delaware @NAACP re abuse by guards but were ignored. #VaughnRebellion #Smyrna

    — #J20 (@Delo_Taylor) February 1, 2017

31. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    An inmate inside Vaughn called @delawareonline and said those behind hostage situation stabbed cop, made demands: https://t.co/xTgwqHtVR2

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

32. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    Tactical team seen outside Vaughn prison #netde #delaware #prison #hostage pic.twitter.com/2iyyrHvaG9

    — Suchat Pederson (@SuchatPederson) February 1, 2017

33. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    The recording sounds like a man is reading from a statement; talks about improper sentencing orders, "a lot of them" have taken me hostage.

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

34. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    When @realDonaldTrump visits Dover Air Force, he will be 17 miles from Vaughn Correctional Center. #netDE

    — DelawareLiberal.Net (@DelawareLiberal) February 1, 2017

35. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:53 pm

    When he told the @delawareonline reporter that they had his face covered, the call was disconnected. #netde

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

36. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    #BREAKING UPDATE: Guards, counselor held hostage in Delaware prison; injuries reported https://t.co/cmhha5hxlh pic.twitter.com/kHg83zl6eb

    — Action News on 6abc (@6abc) February 1, 2017

37. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    More helicopters headed to Smyrna Prison. Still have no clue how are family and friends are who work there! #Smyrna pic.twitter.com/OEaIZeaZkB

    — KO (@Bikini_koko) February 1, 2017

38. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    Media have been told no cell phones are allowed inside the press briefing

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

39. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    LATEST: Hostage situation at #Delaware prison ongoing; injuries reported https://t.co/BgsDLpQpec pic.twitter.com/e7bqJpUnIP

    — CBS Philly (@CBSPhilly) February 1, 2017

40. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    "Baked slop": Delaware sticks to prison loaf while others ban use. #VaughnRebellion #Smyrna #IntelGrouphttps://t.co/j6ntD6rWlM

    — #J20 (@Delo_Taylor) February 1, 2017

41. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    This is so bizarre. #netDE #Vaughn https://t.co/nUktdKdY7G

    — Matthew Bittle (@MatthewCBittle) February 1, 2017

42. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    What’s bizarre about it?

43. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:13 pm

44. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    @REV, I think it was the News Journal turning over tape to the State Police. But I am just guessing.

45. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    NO phones permitted in facility–so details from media briefing must wait till after it's over. #NetDE

    — Amy Cherry (@acherry13) February 1, 2017

46. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    Media briefing on hostage sitch at Vaughn prison in #SmyrnaDE expected @ 4:45 p.m. Both @JoeIrizarry & @MikeTfx10 are at the scene. #NetDE

    — Amy Cherry (@acherry13) February 1, 2017

47. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    Oh, that is a bit strange, I suppose. Being that they are “the press.”

    I hope we don’t repeat an Attica situation and just massacre everybody. But the build up of the paramilitary force outside is not a great harbinger of peaceful resolution.

    I’m glad if Delaware ever needs to lay siege to a neighboring state we’re obviously equipped. Can the governor declare war now? I missed that.

48. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    Crazy afternoon in Delaware: Pres. Trump heads to DAFB https://t.co/BJTAz8Aagz, and we're on scene at prison hostage https://t.co/kiTBbkGXzh

    — Mark Eichmann (@MarkEichmann) February 1, 2017

49. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    This is a great book. I recommend it.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/19/books/blood-in-the-water-a-gripping-account-of-the-attica-prison-uprising.html?_r=0

50. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    The #vaughnrebellion Twitter hashtag is, shall I say, very interesting.

51. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    Here's the notice of the press briefing. Again, no cell phones allowed inside. We will have update ASAP after. No new info as of yet. #netDE pic.twitter.com/PKUs0QKaRa

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

52. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:34 pm

    Interesting in what sense?

53. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    I get the perspective of modern day slavery in our prison system, some of these tweets are over the top.

54. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    Which ones?

55. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    Are you trolling me? 😉

56. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/crime/2017/02/01/delaware-prison-lockdown-vaughn/97342188/

    “Through a hostage, the prisoners called it a rebellion.”

57. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    No. Why? Are legit queries trolling now? I can’t keep up.

58. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    I was joking but I won’t post the more anarchistic tweets from that hashtag.

59. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    Department of Correction Commissioner Perry Phelps was just confirmed two weeks ago. Welcome to the job. #netDE #Vaughn

    — Matthew Bittle (@MatthewCBittle) February 1, 2017

60. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    I was legitimately interested in exactly where you were drawing the line. That’s why I asked.

61. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    LISTEN LIVE: @WDEL to carry news conference on prison hostage situation: https://t.co/sblH9Jiixh | #NetDE

    — Amy Cherry (@acherry13) February 1, 2017

62. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:14 pm

    Currently four hostages. There were five, but one was released. All according to the press conference.

63. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    Listening to press conference on WDEL. Correctional officer called for assistance this morning, and five were then taken hostage. #netDE

    — Matthew Bittle (@MatthewCBittle) February 1, 2017

64. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    Released person in hospital with non life threatening injuries. So far so good on that score.

65. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    One officer has been released and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. #netDE #Vaughn

    — Matthew Bittle (@MatthewCBittle) February 1, 2017

66. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    Here's what we know: 5 COs were taken hostage. One has been released. Negotiations still continue at Vaughn Correctional Center.

    — Brittany Horn (@brittanyhorn) February 1, 2017

67. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:18 pm

    It's unknown whether any other hostages are injured. Negotiations ongoing. #NetDE

    — Amy Cherry (@acherry13) February 1, 2017

68. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    DSP say 5 DOC employers taken hostage at the JTVCC this morn. 1 releasd & takn to hosp w non life threatening inj. Situatn is still ongoing

    — Kelli Steele (@KSteele1059) February 1, 2017

69. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:22 pm

    5 DOC guards taken hostage, 1 released w/ non-life threatening injuries at Smyrna's Vaughn prison https://t.co/WHJLL4ZMtt

    — 101.7FM/1150AM WDEL (@WDEL) February 1, 2017

70. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    Now, can this end without anyone being slaughtered? Scant info, but from what I heard the building where the 4 hostages are “house approximately 100 inmates.” So maximum 100 guys lightly armed are holed up in there. Potentially less. (Nemski, check me here. Did you hear the same?)

    Based on photos and reports “police” have paratroopers armed with high caliber assault rifles and wearing body armor. Plus air support from multiple “police” choppers. Plus whatever intelligence is to be had, like maybe CCTV, control of the area, control of electricity, etc. “Representatives from the FBI” also on the scene.

    Can these professionals sort this out peacefully? Stay tuned.

71. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    Agreed, from what I’ve been reading – everything not sourced – the inmates may have gotten a hold of weapons. Yes, I’m hoping this does end peacefully.

    Carney is been silent which natural for him I guess.

72. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    Interesting unknown, one Brittany Horn mentioned, we don’t know the condition of the other hostages right now…

    Also, don’t know the strength in numbers of this SWAT strike force squad. What’s the over under?

73. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:29 pm

    The presumption is that since they released one hostage who required medical treatment but wasn’t seriously hurt that the other hostages aren’t injured… or are not hurt enough to require the hospital trip the first one needed.

74. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    UPDATE: One hostage in Del. prison released; negotiations continue for 4 others: https://t.co/cmhha5hxlh pic.twitter.com/qKnA2kTVfR

    — Action News on 6abc (@6abc) February 1, 2017

75. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:43 pm

    I’ll tell you what, Delaware seems to have the army of a small Central American country.

76. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 5:57 pm

    The surreal phone call I got today from those inside a prison hostage situation #netde https://t.co/mPGc73eiqr

    — Jessica Reyes (@JessicaMasulli) February 1, 2017

77. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 6:10 pm

    VIDEO: 5 prison guards taken hostage, 1 released w/ non-life threatening injuries #SmyrnaDE's Vaughn prison https://t.co/OH7V9dCkI2 | #NetDE pic.twitter.com/2ewuUgLek4

    — Amy Cherry (@acherry13) February 1, 2017

78. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 6:10 pm

    UPDATE: One hostage in Delaware prison released as negotiations continue for four others. https://t.co/ktycWYoqX4 pic.twitter.com/BOb6HxX4k2

    — Action News on 6abc (@6abc) February 1, 2017

79. AZLiberal (formerly known as MarkH) says:

    February 1, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    WOW, looks like my wife retired from there just in time (she worked there until last year). I myself worked there for 10 years before I found other state employment. Prayers to all

    BTW, the overkill on the SWAT would be considered normal in this situation….I was there for the first execution and it was about the same.

80. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    A few notes based on my experience with DEDOC.

    — Kim Wilson (@phillyprof03) February 1, 2017

    They will withhold information unless pressured to do otherwise.

    — Kim Wilson (@phillyprof03) February 1, 2017

    They will use this action as a pretext to increase control and surveillance including limiting privileges,etc.

    — Kim Wilson (@phillyprof03) February 1, 2017

    Stay visible. Call and politely ask for information regarding your loved one. Have their SBI number available.

    — Kim Wilson (@phillyprof03) February 1, 2017

    Stay visible. Call and politely ask for information regarding your loved one. Have their SBI number available.

    — Kim Wilson (@phillyprof03) February 1, 2017

    You may not get any information, but you are letting it be known that people are watching.

    — Kim Wilson (@phillyprof03) February 1, 2017

    The DEDOC has a tendency to downplay the concerns of incarcerated people. Believe your folks when they tell you something isn't okay.

    — Kim Wilson (@phillyprof03) February 1, 2017

81. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    Call made to Wilmington News-Journal from #VaughnRebellion , on what they want: pic.twitter.com/mlBrxCiWZW

    — Samantha Clarke (@ComicWisdom) February 1, 2017

82. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    .@JohnCarneyDE will update us on the hostage situation at 7:30 #netde @WDDE911 pic.twitter.com/bOit5JcYKy

    — James Dawson (@RadioDawson) February 1, 2017

83. nemski says:

    February 1, 2017 at 6:56 pm

    One hostage released; situation at prison continues https://t.co/bJFAqFYiFX

    — Delaware State News (@TheStateNews) February 1, 2017

84. RE Vanella says:

    February 1, 2017 at 7:26 pm

    I just read the statement over a few times. The bit released to the press as a rationale for the action and general demands. Read it.

    In solidarity with those marginalized, tortured and forgotten. Resist. REV.

85. Paula says:

    February 1, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    RE, where did you find the statement? Or do you mean the tweeted phone-call transcription in the comments?

86. RE Vanella says:

    February 2, 2017 at 7:33 am

    Paula – I was referring to the tweeted transcript. The same remarks were included in the News Journal account this morning. I take them at their word because I can’t think of a reason they’d lie about motives. They’ve taken a very grave step. A last resort in a place that is itself the ultimate last resort.

    When we sanction the treatment of human beings in a manner below the standard with which we treat our pets the situation is fraught and very dangerous.