Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode covers the events of February 2, 1980, during the second morning of the historic prison riot at Penitentiary New Mexico. The host details how inmates breached maximum-security cell blocks using construction tools left behind during renovations, capturing guards and trapping vulnerable prisoners. Meanwhile, chaotic negotiations unfolded outside between prison officials, state police, and the governor, while fires raged and injured hostages were gradually released. The episode explains how the uprising quickly surpassed historical tragedies like Attica in brutality and death toll, driven by targeted violence against suspected informants.
- Leaving construction tools behind in a prison during renovations created a fatal security flaw that enabled the riot. 3:54
- Prison officials prioritized securing the release of captured guards above all other demands during early negotiations. 7:44
- Eighty-four inmates in a medium-security protective custody unit smashed a window to escape into the yard for safety. 21:36
- Dr. Mark Orner compiled a grim list of fourteen murder victims based on debriefings of escaped prisoners. 31:56
Chapters
- 0:00Podcast Intro and Advertisements
The episode opens with a brief introduction and a series of unrelated product advertisements.
- 1:06Chronology of the 1980 Penitentiary Riot
The host recounts the timeline of the riot, detailing the initial takeover, guard captures, and inmate movements.
- 5:58Escalation of Violence and Fires
Inmates intensify their attacks, setting fires in key areas and causing widespread destruction.
- 7:13Negotiations and Hostage Situations
Prison officials and inmates engage in tense negotiations, with hostages taken and demands made.
- 14:02Arrival of External Forces and Tactical Response
National Guard, state police, and other agencies mobilize to respond to the riot and attempt to retake the prison.
- 28:54Governor’s Intervention and Media Access
Governor Bruce King engages with rioters, promises media access, and attempts to prevent a forceful assault.
- 30:43Inmate Demands and Threats
Inmates use radios to issue demands and threats, escalating the crisis and complicating negotiations.
- 31:47Aftermath and Casualty Reporting
Officials compile lists of victims, revealing the high death toll and the targeted nature of the killings.
- 34:02Closing Remarks and Teaser for Next Episode
The host concludes the episode, thanks listeners, and previews the next installment focusing on Cell Block 4.
Highlights
- 1:39
Inmates smashed the protective glass of the control center with a fire extinguisher and used the electronic panel to open the north wing gate.
- 3:54
Construction Tools Left Behindinsight
Renovations in maximum security cell block 5 had been paused for two months, leaving tools behind that rioters used to break into other units.
- 10:12
Escape of Officer Gallegosstory
Officer Herman Gallegos changed into a prisoner uniform, hid in a dormitory, and successfully walked out of the prison alongside an injured inmate.
- 10:42
Ambiguous Identity at Gateinsight
Associate Warden Martinez initially mistook the escaping guard for an inmate and hesitated to let him pass due to ongoing hostage negotiations.
- 17:06
Guards fleeing the control center left the keys behind, rendering the prison's own ambulance useless when injured staff needed transport.
- 21:36
Eighty-four men from a protective custody unit smashed a window with a wrench and dropped into the exercise yard to escape the violence.
- 31:56
Dr. Mark Orner compiled a list of fourteen dead inmates, surpassing the total deaths of the Attica prison uprising within just nine hours.
Quotes
“Inmates gorged themselves on prescription drugs from the hospital unit.”
Unnamed speaker · 3:25 “The number dwarfed the number of deaths in any individual prison riot.”
Unnamed speaker · 32:11 “They burned everything in the gymnasium.”
Unnamed speaker · 3:38 “The fires continued to burn and spread, and the water from the fire hose only added to another problem.”
Unnamed speaker · 6:31
Sponsored segments
- Apple Sports 0:00–0:23
- Rocket Mortgage 0:32–0:53
- Quince 12:19–12:43
- Apple Sports 12:46–13:07
- Apple Sports 22:38–23:04
- Mint Mobile 23:36–24:10
- Apple Sports 35:09–35:32
- NyQuil Intense Flu 36:07–36:23
- Coca-Cola 36:42–36:47
About this episode
Rioters capture four more guards at Penitentiary New Mexico. They light fires throughout the prison. They gorge themselves on prescription drugs from the Hospital Unit. And when the prisoners in the notorious Cellblock 3 are released, they unite with the rioters and begin killing. But not every inmate participates in the riot. Many barricade themselves in their units for protection. Meanwhile, prison officials and members of every law enforcement agency in New Mexico converge on the facility to try to manage the crisis. Thanks to our sponsor, Quince! Use this link for Free Shipping and 365-day returns: Quince.com/infamousamerica Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial. On YouTube, subscribe to INFAMOUS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: hit “Join” on the Legends YouTube homepage. For more details, please visit www.blackbarrelmedia.com or @blackbarrelmedia on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcript
5,872 words · 8 speakers
Topics
- Santa Fe
- National Guard
- SWAT team
- Penitentiary New Mexico
- Black Barrel Media
- Santa Fe Police Department
- St. Vincent Hospital
- Apple Podcasts
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated