A Michigan Department of Corrections file photo of Kinross Correctional Facility in the Upper Peninsula.
24 Hour News 8 web staff - KINROSS CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) -- Hours after a peaceful protest at a state prison in the Upper Peninsula, several inmates starting breaking things, officials say.
It happened at Kinross Correctional Facility near the community of Kincheloe on the UP's east side. Just before 9 a.m. Saturday, during their regularly-scheduled time outdoors, about 400 inmates marched peacefully in a circle. The protest was peaceful and no one was hurt, according to Michigan Department of Corrections spokesman Chris Gautz. When it was time for the prisoners to go back inside, they did so without incident.
MDOC began to investigate the protest and worked to remove prisoners believed to be the instigators in an effort to prevent future incidents.
Around 12:30 p.m., several inmates became aggressive. Gautz said they caused damage in several housing units, smashing sinks and breaking at least one window. They also tried to set trash on fire -- that caused some smoke, but the fire was quickly doused.
About 150 prisoners believed to be the primary leaders in the original protest were put on buses and sent to other prisoners throughout the UP. Those relocations are expected to be permanent.
Gautz said officials will review video tapes to determine which and how many inmates were involved in the destructive protesting.
The original peaceful demonstration was part of a group of small protests in several states over the weekend meant to coincide with the 45th anniversary of the Attica prison riot in upstate New York, Gautz explained. Thirty-two inmates and 11 prison workers were killed in that riot, according to the Associated Press. Kinross was the only prison in Michigan that experienced any form of protest this weekend.
No prisoners or staff were injured in either of the incidents. Gautz praised staff for keeping the situation under control.
Kinross houses about 1,250 male inmates with security levels of I and II — the lowest ratings.
--The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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