Patient dies after attack at St. Peter mental health facility

Published 6:23 pm Tuesday, January 2, 2024

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A patient at a state-run mental health facility in St. Peter died after he was attacked by another patient on Monday.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services says the attack happened around 1 a.m. at the north campus of the Forensic Mental Health Program.

Formerly known as the Minnesota Security Hospital, it treats patients who have been civilly committed as mentally ill and dangerous.

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Police and emergency responders were called to the facility. They took the victim to the hospital, where he later died. A staff member was also attacked, but was not seriously injured.

Police arrested the other patient. DHS has not publicly identified either person.

In a statement, DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead said, “This tragic incident has left patients and staff badly shaken. Our thoughts now are with the victim’s family and friends who have suffered a terrible loss.”

Harpstead said DHS is cooperating with law enforcement and has begun its own internal review.