On Sept. 9, 1971, a four-day uprising of more than 1,000 prison inmates began in New York state's Attica Correctional Facility, leading to the deadliest prison riot in U.S. history. Inmates took 42 staff officers and employees hostage as they demanded an end to 'brutal, dehumanized' conditions and alleged racially motivated abuse. After days of failed negotiations, and at the behest of Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, New York State Police and corrections officers launched a disastrous raid on Sept. 13, resulting in the deaths of 10 hostages and 29 inmates.

Originally Published: September 8, 2022 at 12:00 AM EDT

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