Assemblywoman McKnight Calls NJ Prison Closure 'Welcome News'

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Hudson County Assemblywoman Angela McKnight called the planned closure of the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women "welcome news."

Governor Phil Murphy announced the planned closure on Monday, following the severe beatings of several inmates.

The violent attacks on Jan. 11 and 12 at New Jersey's only women's correctional facility included one inmate who was pepper-sprayed before five correctional officers entered her cell. She was then reportedly punched with a closed fist about 28 times in the face area while she was pressed against the cell wall. The woman had serious bodily injuries including a concussion and facial injuries.

Read More: 3 Officers Charged After Women Inmates Beaten At NJ Prison

McKnight praised the closure in a statement:

"This morning’s announcement is welcomed news for all of us who were deeply concerned about the culture of abuse and the deplorable environment the inmates have had to endure at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility.

The task now is to ensure these women are provided a safe transition to another facility. We must also ensure that what has happened in Edna Mahan does not happen in any of New Jersey’s correctional facilities. There is still a need for reform in our prison system. Preserving a persons’ right to respect and dignity while incarcerated must always be at the forefront of every decision made in a facility."

Murphy ordered an independent investigation after he learned about the attacks — the findings of the report were released on Monday. After reading the investigative report, Murphy said the only "path forward is to responsibly close the facility."

The inmates in Edna Mahan will be relocated.

Patch reporter Alexis Tarrazi contributed to this report.