Governor Youngkin Vows to Hold Gang Members Responsible for K-9 Officer Death

Earlier this week, there was an uprising at a Virginia prison.

A K-9 officer, Rivan, was protecting correctional officers amid the attack and wound up being stabbed and kicked until his demise by several prisoners, three of whom are recognized as MS-13 gang members.

Governor Glenn Youngkin has now vowed to hold them accountable.

Mourning Rivan’s Loss

These K-9 officers are just as much a hero as their human handlers, in my opinion.

If you have ever had the chance to interact with one of these animals, you know how loyal and fearless these dogs are.

They are often the first man in, so to speak, doing so without fear, solely to protect their fellow officers, even if it means they die in the process.

Sadly, that is what happened to Rivan during the prison attack.

During the uprising, the K-9 officer moved in to protect Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields, and as a result, the dog lost its life in an absolutely horrific manner.

After the K-9 officer's death was reported, Governor Youngkin stated, "God bless Rivan, a heroic K-9 who was killed in the line of duty in Virginia. These barbaric members of MS-13 will be held accountable.”

The VADOC is mourning the line of duty death of Rivan, a K-9 killed by MS-13 gang members while heroically protecting its assigned Corrections Officer, staff, and inmates at Sussex I State Prison.

Read more: https://t.co/yA1H7wsJ2L pic.twitter.com/MQpJBRkgTK

— VADOC (@VADOC) April 3, 2024

According to the reports, Rivan died after being "repeatedly stabbed and kicked by the inmates," all of whom were reportedly in this country illegally.

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) also expressed their sorrow over the loss, posting, "The VADOC is mourning the line of duty death of Rivan, a K-9 killed by MS-13 gang members while heroically protecting its assigned Corrections Officer, staff, and inmates at Sussex I State Prison.

"The loss of Rivan is truly tragic, but it is important to remember he did not die in vain.

"He lost his life while potentially saving the lives of two people, his assigned Officer and an inmate. The VADOC will never forget Rivan’s sacrifice."

It may sound extreme, but I would love to see the death penalty brought into play for criminals who kill K-9 officers working in the line of duty.

Service dogs do not nearly get the respect they deserve, especially after they have selflessly sacrificed their lives to protect their fellow human officers.