Eric’s Regards on the 30th Anniversary of the Lucasville Uprising

“Next week is the 30th anniversary of the Lucasville Uprising. To me, this is very important because Lucasville’s lessons are as valuable today as they were then.

One of the interesting things about Lucasville is that it even happened. Every day in almost every prison in America, there exist, to a certain extent, the conditions that lead to the uprising: cold, rotten, vile food; communication either over-priced, delayed, or prevented altogether; families being disrespected or denied access when they try to visit; subhuman and totally negligent medical care; old decrepit facilities that are falling apart, moldy and dangerous; a complete lack of jobs or meaningful activities and the existing jobs paying peanuts; and administrations who totally disregard prisoners’ physical and mental well-being while enacting policies that make life much worse and much more violent…those conditions haven’t vanished.    (See Thomson SMU and every USP)

What the Lucasville uprisers had was bravery, dignity, and a collective mindset that what would come was worth it to stand up for themselves. Organizing any level of resistance inside prison is incredibly difficult.  At USP Lee, we couldn’t get 10 people to join a peaceful ‘Grievance Process Protest’…the reasons it is so hard can be summed up as 1) Apathy 2) Extreme Repression. For even discussing the ‘Grievance Protest’ I was forcibly stripped by 5 USP Lee guards and forced to wear ONLY paper underwear in a completely empty cell for a week. Imagine the bravery of the Lucasville revolters. They knew with 100% certainty that whatever comforts, family contact, and safety they felt was absolutely finished. They knew death was a possibility, either at the hands of self-serving prisoners looking to settle scores or at the more likely hands of the cops who would be acting with rage-fueled impunity. They had the foresightedness to know and accept that there would be extreme brutality now and the chance for dignified treatment in the future. They played the long game with the hopes of feeling human and being treated as such.

I’ve been very blessed to be friends with people who still support some of the Lucasville uprisers. This is amazing and priceless work… The abolition movement cannot succeed without inside action, and knowing the fierce repression that they will face, inside people need to know support is there. Two hands to climb the rope out of the pit of oppression.

Horrible, tragic things happen during revolts, and they happened during Lucasville… this is not a celebration of or glorification of violence, absolutely not. It is a reminder of bravery, that some were willing to face their oppressor head-on… knowing they were living in their oppressors’ dwellings, knowing there was no retreat and no way out… we need to remember them and support them and everyone who put their dignity first and play the long game.

                Free Joe-Joe, free Kojo… free all our elders

EK    @ always

/// everywhere” 

(Featured art in solidarity by Taller Ahuehuete)

The book Eric co-edited has a release date!

In December, a book Eric co-edited will be published by AK Press. Historian Dan Berger calls it “Rattling the Cages: Oral Histories of North American Political Prisoners”, an intimate intergenerational dialogue with movement activists representing sixty years of struggle and too many years of incarceration.”

Check it out here:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/rattling-the-cages-a-collection-of-oral-histories-of-north-american-political-prisoners/19648041?ean=9781849355216

Dispatches from behind bars. Political prisoners speak out. The official story is that the United States has no political prisoners. The reality is that there are hundreds of people rounded up, placed behind bars, and kept there for inordinately long sentences because of their political beliefs and activities. A project of popular educator Josh Davidson and political prisoner Eric King, this book is filled with the experience and wisdom of over thirty current and former North American political prisoners. It provides first-hand details of prison life and the political commitments that continue to lead prisoners into direct confrontation with state authorities and institutions. The people Josh Davidson has interviewed include former radicals and Black liberation militants from the sixties and seventies, current antifascists, nonviolent Catholic peace activists, Animal and Earth Liberation Front activists, and more. Their stories are moving, often tragic, yet deeply inspiring. Collectively, these people have spent hundreds of years behind bars, and their experiences speak directly to the cruelty and immorality of our prison and so-called criminal justice systems. Although their sentences and the conditions they have endured vary dramatically, this wide range of voices come together to embody what bell hooks called “a legacy of defiance.” It is this legacy–of tirelessly struggling to right today’s wrongs and create a better tomorrow–that the prison system tries, yet fails, to extinguish.

“Scars” a poem by Eric King

I’ve got scars, courtesy of guards 

That’ll mark me my whole life 

Some of them, they like to hunt 

They prowl inside my mind 

Others, they like to taunt 

And lurking plain sight 

Every time I see my face and head 

They’re so quick to remind 

The consequences that are in store 

If I speak out a line 

All the gifts prison left me with 

I wish I could return 

All the lessons that they’ve taught 

I wish I could unlearn 

The bureau left its marks on me 

In ways that I can’t hide 

The bureau attacks with savagery 

That’s why we must fight 

Essay #1 “My Brother”

Eric is in a step-down unit of the ADX. It was determined it would be unconstitutional to release someone from ADX-level-deprivation to the streets, so the ADX created a special unit for people within a year of their release. They are supposed to be able to earn privileges to help them adjust to the outside world. They have specialized caseworkers that help them know what kind of programming they’re eligible for, they can get phone calls, they can get snacks, they can earn a lot of things.

Eric has not been OFFERED ANY programming. Through other prisoners, Eric found out about a program in which he could write essays for treats.

He would like to share some of them with you.

A reminder though: Eric is the only one in this program not getting phone calls and emails. He’s not being offered programs to help him get ready to enter the world after being in segregation for 5 years. He proves again and again to just be amazing and resourceful and is working hard to prepare himself by finding these programs for himself, finding these opportunities, and PERSISTENTLY pestering staff to let him try them.

Multiple components of this particular programming include reward that he is requesting as well as the response from psychology. While it may seem short to you, disingenuous? To him the compassion and acknowledgment that he’s received at ADX Florence is definitely not one of his complaints. It has been healing to be able to participate in this particular program for him.

My Brother: by Eric King 

My brother Mike died on December 17th 2017… I was at Florence medium in OA. We were locked down due to some serraño nonsense, when the guard came to direct me to the chapel I knew something bad had happened. My wife had chronic health issues and my family is cancer-prone, so my first fears were one of them were seriously sick or had passed…The chaplain didn’t tell me anything, he just handed me the phone. 

 The first thing I heard was my mom crying, which didn’t rule out anything… she told me, through choking breaths, that Mike had died. I was stunned. Mike was young and relatively healthy, his dying hadn’t even crossed my mind as a possibility. His lifestyle was on the reckless side, as for many living in poverty, but not anything over the top. The details were beyond belief. Mike had been shot the week before in a robbery…He was on anti anxiety and strong pain meds, so his head wasn’t clear at all… Then late at night someone lit his home on fire. He died in the kitchen closet, right next to the outside door… a few feet to the right he would have survived. 

Mike and I had a very complicated relationship… growing up we were very poor and understanding mental health wasn’t a priority… My mom was working 70 hours a week to keep us fed with shelter. She didn’t have the time or energy to understand why he was behaving so irrationally; she could only react to the behaviour…, he would have two or three months of great behavior, bright ideas, hopeful future. Mom would poor support in during those times then a switch would flip and it’d be back to the nightmare, back to being cruel and abusive…looking back he clearly had some sort of personality disorder, maybe sort of bipolar? He wasn’t cruel during his “up” days, he’d be full of love and empathy, guilt for his “down” behavior…this was the saddest when his “down” behavior led to consequences that he paid for during his “up” time. Juvie, relationship breakups, short jail sentences…he was soft and sweet when he was “up” but not built to emotionally deal with the unlimited cruelty of jail/prison life.  

After the call I went back to my cell and wept…my poor cellie must have been so uncomfortable. I didn’t get to call my wife for another 3 days…I’m not sure I fully worked through this. We weren’t close when he died and I feel it took me too long to develop empathy for his internal struggles. I think of him often. 

“Abusive Smiles” a poem by Eric King

Abusive smiles 
Years of waiting to be seen, bucking, grievances, lawsuits 
All in the hope that a doctor 
Will hear you, take you serious 
Finally you get cleared to go! 
W/50,000 volts strapped to your arm 
You step into a doctor’s office 
His smile instantly tells you, 
This will not be your day 
your pain is ignore, down played 
previous ultrasounds disputed 
 of ever having been done 
 the lump isn’t concerning 
three years of discomfort and pain 
 reduced to nothing 
 have I been grinding my teeth? 
 Have I been hydrated? 
 Have I tried yoga? 
 No, he can’t do a biopsy, no, 
 he can’t do an MRI or ultrasound 
 bureaucratic brutality 
 all with a smile 
 Oh, here’s the first ultrasound results  
Found it i guess 
I guess we’ll recommend another one,  
it’s up to the prison to set it up though 
3 years of pain and waiting, all to be ignored 
Over a 7 minute meeting 
Then return to the arms of my enemy 
7 minutes of smiling and my pain in fear 
Would have rather took the volts 

“This is how hard it is to get medical help here”

  1. “First, file 5 sick calls, have medical officer Dunne take you serious, but no one else
  2. Use the grievance process after being ignored for 4 1/2 months
  3. Get seen by a PA, who reviews everything + decides whether to refer to the doc or not. In our case he did
  4. The doc has to review it and present the case to the “Utilization Review Committee” who has to approve it.
  5. I guess the “URC” approves it, which in our case they did, they pass it onto REGIONAL [BOP office], who has to then approve it… Jesus they had 2 months to approve or deny… then once (if) approved they have to make the appointment w/the outside doctor… Three officers + all armed join you at the facility and you are made to wear the electronic belt [shock collar].
    • The Bureau thrives on promoting the health + safety of its captives =) HA Get fucked”

To give more clarity on the process for this particular (quite serious) medical concern. Eric might have missed a couple of steps.

  1. Get approved after 18 months of trying for an outside Dr to evaluate you!
  2. Get abruptly transferred clearing all medical orders from the system
  3. Have your loved ones with the help of compassionate Senators (Thank you Neguse!) follow you being transferred from prison to prison trying to get them to palpitate your neck.
  4. Arrive at USP Lee where the BOP responds to Senator Neguse informing us that there simply is nothing medically found in the afflicted area. They kindly highlight the email to make sure the senator knows exactly who he is helping
This is in response to your inquiries sent to us regarding Mr. Eric King.  In the inquiries, Ms. __________requests information regarding her husband as related to his management variable and medical concerns.  My apologies for this delayed response.  This response provides information as to her concerns. 
 
Our records show that Mr. King is currently located at USP Lee.  He was previously located at FCI Englewood in pre-trial status.  Mr. King was removed from pre-trial status at FCI Englewood on March 29, 2022, where he later arrived at USP Lee on May 3, 2022.   Our records reveal that while in pre-trial status at FCI Englewood on November 12, 2021, Mr. King was evaluated by the institution’s medical provider for complaints of pain behind ears and to throat.  He was diagnosed on that date with a local infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and prescribed antibiotics for treatment.  Later, on November 15, 2021, Mr. King reported that the antibiotics were working, but there was still a lump in his neck.  Records further reveal that a .25cm nodule was palpated at his right anterior submandibular area on this date.  An ultrasound was also ordered at the time. 
 
Afterwards, on December 2, 2021, a diagnostic test of an ultrasound of the right submandibular region identified an oval circumscribed mass measuring 2.2 x 0.6 x 1.1cm.  The report indicated the finding likely represented as  sonographically unremarkable appearing level 1B lymph node.  Recommendations on the same report indicated repeat imaging and consideration for tissue sampling would be warranted, if the finding enlarges or does not completely resolve in 8-12 weeks.  On February 23, 2022, a follow-up clinical encounter was conducted at FCI Englewood regarding the “lymph gland.”   During the medical visit the evaluation indicated a lesion, cyst at lateral neck, but did not specify size.  As a result, a consultation for a general surgeon for evaluation was ordered on that date.   
 
Mr. King was later transferred to USP Lee.  Upon his arrival at USP Lee on May 3, 2022, a history and physical exam was conducted via a medical intake screening.  At that time, Mr. King reported having a swollen lymph node under his jawline, but denies swelling at the time.  An examination by Mid-Level provider indicated no masses or nodes, specifically no lymph node enlargement.  A full resolution of previous a infection and localized swelling, mass and lump, neck was documented.  Also, a general surgery consultation discontinued on this date as it is not indicated because Mr. King does not have any palpable lymph note at this time.  The medical provider scheduled Mr. King for a three-year preventative health visit, in accordance with policy, and instructed him that if he notices any lymph node enlargement in the future to report to medical. 
 
Our inmate population has access to medical care via daily sick call, in which he or she is able to request a sick call visit.  If Mr. King feels that he is suffering from a medical condition, he is strongly encouraged to follow-up with a sick call visit, as needed, for any medical concerns. 
 
Regarding his management variable, Mr. King has a management variable of greatest severity.  His criminal history involves throwing a cocktail explosive threw a Member’s congressional office window.   Inmates who disagree with BOP decisions regarding their care, including custody classification, are able to appeal through the Administrative Remedy Program. The Administrative Remedy Program allows inmates to appeal decisions at the institutional, regional, and national levels.   At each level, a response is provided to the inmate in writing.
 
I trust this response addresses your concerns. 
 
Office of Legislative Affairs 
Federal Bureau of Prisons

However, based on the EXTENSIVE medical work-up done at the ADX (per Eric’s account) it seems there WAS something found there after all. Enough to warrant a MAXIMUM SECURITY specialist doctor visit.

BOP waited and advised Eric to wait THREE YEARS for a follow-up.

To echo the sentiments of EK:

get fucked

What DOES disqualify someone from employment as a federal prison guard?

It turns out the officer who terrorized Eric… the man who took him into the shower in his underwear and broke his head open while handcuffed… Was hired by the government after being partially responsible for a murder, and subsequently losing his job, as a Nebraska sergeant. It was commonplace for this man to use cell assignments as a way of extra discipline in Englewood. In fact, Eric has a write-up from this officer (Gustafson) for refusing an opposing gang cellmate (Bureau of Prisons classified Eric as “affiliated” being anti-fascist, so they can’t give him gang cellmates, as it is against separate regulations).

So the BOP saw… This man lost his job in Nebraska for using the segregation unit as a way to terrorize prisoners, ultimately leading to a blatantly unnecessary death. And they said “hold my beer 😂 do we have a unit for you to work.” They placed him in the segregation unit at FCI Englewood. They were all complacent in his abuse when they refused to take reports regarding his attempted assaults and harassment of Eric leading up to the horrific incident of Eric being attacked in the showers.

One of the write-ups that ended up being a part of Eric’s ADX Supermax placement involved this same officer. The federal prosecutor, knowing what he did to Eric, still brought this officer back to Denver to testify in an attempt to convict Eric of false charges of assault against an officer.

The kicker is, seemingly even after the Nebraska wrongful death lawsuit was settled, the officer is still employed with the Bureau of Prisons. Was even given an out-of-state transfer. Wonder what it takes to lose your job as a federal prison guard 🤷‍♀️

https://www.lawcommentary.com/articles/nebraska-and-family-of-inmate-killed-behind-bars-agree-to-479000-settlement

If you’d like to read the full lawsuit and allegations:

https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5d394c31f175a712721e704d

If folks are interested in a little of Eric’s history with Officer Gustafson:

https://supportericking.org/2020/06/29/deliberate-indifference/

https://supportericking.org/2020/06/24/eric-assaulted-by-guard-at-fci-englewood/

UPDATE: Eric’s Latest Civil Suit Filings, and Addressing Illegal Confinement

PLEASE SUPPORT ERIC AND HIS FAMILY’S RELEASE FUNDS HERE

There have been separate actions and filings undertaken by Eric and his legal team within the last three weeks. https://www.dolawllc.com/

On Monday, February 27th, a habeas petition was filed to address Eric’s illegal confinement within the ADX Supermax in Colorado, along with a demand for an emergency court hearing and a protection order against BOP staff to address:

-Illegal, retaliatory placement within the Supermax

-Years of retaliatory disciplinary hearings by BOP staff

-Denial of all good time credit towards his pending release

-Imprisonment extending beyond the February 2023 projected release date for halfway house or home confinement eligibility

-Years of Eric’s endless captivity in segregation

-The ADX Supermax Special Administrative Procedure policies being publicly unreviewable, and the lack of structure for the release of ADX prisoners being in violation of directives by Congress as well as the Administrative Procedure Act

-Eric’s repeated lack of access to legal counsel, as well as contact with family or the general public

-Years worth of medical care negligence

-The continual denial of administrative review by prison staff for Eric’s maximum security designation and endless placement in segregation

-Conspiracy to place white supremacist prisoners near Eric to target him

-The irreparable harm this will cause to Eric’s safety

The finalized civil complaint was also submitted February 21st, illustrating the BOP’s collusion in various capacities through the Klan Act, Bivens, Tort Claims, and Administrative Procedure Act:

The Klan Act confronts the deprivation of constitutional rights inflicted on citizens by any official acting under color of law, including direct or indirect deprivation of rights. This means government employees who blatantly act with impunity, but also those who knew of a violation and was in a position to prevent the deprivation of rights but did nothing. The Klan Act’s origin was to confront government officials that enabled the Ku Klux Klan to murder, assault, lynch, and attempt coups for power or control elections. It directly confronts racial and class targeting as a discriminatory motive from government officials. This lawsuit reveals specifics of how Eric has been blatantly targeted by prison staff for being antiracist and antifascist.

The Bivens filings compliment the Klan Act, because it specifically applies to federal agents/employees acting unconstitutionally in the name of the US government while performing their official duties.

The Federal Tort Claim that’s filed addresses Eric’s physical injuries, retaliatory destruction of property, and negligence by acting officers of the DOJ and Bureau of Prisons.

The lawsuit also references the Administrative Procedure Act, which was created so “agencies must abide by their own regulations” to prevent abuse of power and impunity. Eric has exhausted all administrative review processes available to prisoners to file grievances or to have a chance to be seen by a judge, with Eric literally targeted and punished by using one of the only avenues available to him as a prisoner to address his 1600+ days in segregation, the violence and harassment inflicted by prison staff, his lack of phone time or visits or mail, lack of access to his attorneys, and lack of proper medical care.

Right now, the very best way to help Eric and his family is to share this fundraiser to prepare for whatever comes next, as he and his family faces dire financial needs to establish life on the outside. Especially while Eric’s family continues to fight to gain approval from probation for Eric to be released to his family’s home.

“White Trash Anarchist” a poem by Eric King

White trash anarchist 
I still love, All the simplest things  
my wife in one hand 
the other, a can of black beans 
hitting every dumpster, 
Target & Barnes and Noble 
Haven’t got any posher 
as I’ve gotten older 
Sit w/Dev in parking lots 
Me & R on starry walks 
and teach my little ones 
how to jam locks 
Deflate the ‘pigs’ rolling prisons 
Tag a bit of wisdom  
finding life a true delight 
outside of capitalism 
we’ve got a system to demolish 
and prisons to abolish 
but where I’ll find the most peace 
this with my little radical family  
with my wife in one hand 
& the other a can of black beans