Fulton County Detention Officer Assaulted by Inmate in Atlanta Jail Incident

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, a detention officer at the Fulton County Jail, Rico George, was assaulted by an inmate. The incident took place around 11:30 a.m. when George instructed the inmate, Bakari Stokes-Martin, to remove a blanket covering his upper body. Stokes-Martin, who was concealing a shank within the blanket, stabbed George twice in the neck. George was immediately transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. Stokes-Martin, an 18-year-old detainee held since February 10, 2025, on charges of murder, aggravated assault, and first-degree cruelty to children, was found carrying five shanks during a subsequent search. He now faces additional charges, including possession of dangerous weapons, aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, and obstruction of law enforcement.

The Fulton County Jail has faced ongoing scrutiny due to its history of violence. In November 2024, the Department of Justice issued a report accusing the facility of violating inmates’ rights, highlighting issues such as a high risk of violence, sexual assault, inhumane housing conditions, and excessive use of force by officers. Earlier this year, the sheriff’s office entered into a consent order with the DOJ, committing to a legally binding improvement plan. This recent assault on Officer George further illustrates the persistent safety challenges within the jail.