On this date in 1971, over 1200 inmates at the state prison in Attica, NY started a riot that would last four days. The riot began with the killing of a corrections officer, then the rioters took about 40 prison employees hostage. Three inmates were killed during the riot in what appeared to be cases of “prison justice.” When negotiations broke down, Governor Rockefeller — hoping to look tough on crime for a possible Presidential run — ordered State Police to retake the prison by force. In the ensuing assault, 29 rioters and 10 hostages were killed.
Wikipedia: Attica Prison Riot
Talking History: Attica Revisited
Nobody Move! 
John D.:
Man, I remember that one…all over the news (in Philly)…that was one helluva final confrontation w/ the stateys too.
I thought I read where other agencies came in as well…maybe a mixup with another riot. I remember prisoners using mattresses to barricade the windows.
Great story.
Roll safe.
LikeLike
They also tried to dig a moat so they could fill it with flammables and set it on fire. They dug the moat, but they couldn’t scrounge up enough flammables.
LikeLike