ST PETER, Minn — A patient at the state-operated mental health facility in St. Peter has died following an attack by another patient, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Officials said a staff member was also attacked but was not "seriously injured."
The attack happened around 1 a.m. on New Year's Day.
The other patient was arrested without incident.
Officials said the Forensic Mental Health Program, formerly known as the Minnesota Security Hospital, is operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
"The program primarily serves patients who have been civilly committed as mentally ill and dangerous," according to the DHS release.
The Human Services Commissioner, Jodi Harpstead, gave this statement on Wednesday:
"This tragic incident has left our patients and staff badly shaken. Our thoughts now are with the victim's family and friends who have suffered a terrible loss. We are cooperating with law enforcement and have begun our own internal review. Due to data privacy laws, we cannot release the names of either patient."
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