Congratulations ADC Janet Napolitano Governor I think I speak for all of Arizona when I say that I am relieved and very pleased that the second correctional officer, who has been held captive for 15 days, has been released and reunited with her family. This has been a very difficult time, and we are deeply grateful to the Corrections and law enforcement teams who brought this situation to a safe conclusion. The officers condition is good. She is receiving medical care, and she is with experts who will help her to begin the process of recovering. Her family, like the family of the other officer who was released last weekend, is receiving a variety of support services to help them begin to heal. We deeply appreciate the restraint shown by local television, radio and newspaper outlets. Given the choice of breaking a sensational story or acting with caution and high ethical standards, they chose the latter. We withheld information because we had to. The hostage takers' behavior was erratic at best, and we had no way to predict how they might react to news reports of the crisis. To release details about the negotiations, strategies involving the use of force, even the names of the inmates or their hostages posed a clear risk to our officers' lives. In a moment, we will share with you the detailed information we have assembled regarding what has happened over the last 15 days. That said, there remains much more we need to know about how this happened and what must be done to prevent a recurrence. To learn the facts, I have ordered the Department of Corrections and Department of Public Safety to begin a minute-by-minute review of the events at the Sam Lewis Prison Complex. Department of Corrections Director Dora Schriro will also formulate a plan to address the issues that led to this incident. Over the next days and weeks, there will be much discussion regarding what happened and why. I would urge the media not to speculate until a full review has been completed. These investigations take careful effort and they take time. I ask that you allow the investigation to move forward to quickly and effectively, and know that when the investigation is complete, we will share even more with you. I also ask that you remember that two inmates – two men with very serious criminal histories' made the decision to attempt an escape, to attack a civilian, attack correctional officers, and ultimately to take two of our officers hostage. They hold the ultimate responsibility for what has happened at the Lewis Complex. I wish to thank the Arizona Department of Corrections, and the law enforcement agencies assisting the Department for handling these negotiations with the highest level of expertise and professionalism. I want you to know that I support and continue to have the greatest confidence in Corrections Director Dora Schriro. Again, to the families and friends of both officers' we share your relief and your joy that this situation has concluded peacefully, and we wish you a speedy recovery. Return to PIO/Media Return to Lewis Hostage Incident Information