On March 17th, 2025, Blair Paquette, a corrections officer at Cook County Jail, was attacked by an inmate in a brutal and unexpected assault. The violent encounter, captured on surveillance footage, has since garnered widespread attention, highlighting the risks and dangers faced by jail staff in the course of their daily duties.
The Unexpected Attack
The incident occurred in Division Nine of the jail, where Paquette was making his regular rounds in the dayroom. The altercation began when an inmate, frustrated over not being able to use a microwave, approached Paquette. Despite backing away and attempting to de-escalate the situation, Paquette continued his rounds. However, just a few minutes later, the inmate launched a sudden, unprovoked attack on Paquette.
In the video, Paquette is seen being violently beaten by the inmate. The attacker struck Paquette with his fists before lifting him off the ground and slamming him onto the floor. The brutal nature of the attack left Paquette bruised and bloodied, needing a dozen stitches to his injuries. However, in a remarkable twist of fate, Paquette was fortunate enough to avoid any broken bones or internal injuries.
The Heroic Response of Fellow Officers
Within 25 seconds of the attack, fellow officers, alerted to the situation by radio, rushed into the room to intervene. They immediately began to drag Paquette to safety, removing him from the scene of the attack. The attacker, later identified as 32-year-old Absalom Coakley, was subdued and taken into custody by additional officers. Coakley, who was already being held for a 2022 murder charge, now faces felony aggravated battery charges for the assault on Paquette.
Paquette’s Recovery Journey
Paquette’s wife, Liz, was understandably shaken by the attack and the emotional toll it took on her family. Reflecting on the experience, Liz shared how difficult it was to receive the phone call informing her of the attack. “I don’t think that any spouse, any wife wants to go through that or get that call,” Liz said. Despite the traumatic nature of the event, she expressed immense relief that her husband was alive. “I’m just glad that he is home. I’m glad that he’s alive. I’m glad that literally, God answered my prayers.”
Although Paquette’s physical wounds may have been treatable, the emotional and psychological impact of such an assault cannot be underestimated. Liz emphasized that the recovery process for Blair was ongoing and that they were taking it “day by day” as they focused on his physical and mental recovery. It remains uncertain when Blair will be able to return to work.
The Community’s Support
In the wake of the incident, the community has rallied behind the Paquette family. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 357 for Sheriff’s Correctional Officers organized a fundraiser and raffle to raise money to support Blair and his family during his recovery. The fundraiser aims to ease some of the financial burdens as Blair focuses on getting better and returning to his normal life.
Bo Rainey, president of the Lodge, expressed how important it was for the community to come together to support one of their own. “We would like to support him and make them feel like a family,” Rainey said. The gesture of solidarity underscores the significance of the tight-knit bonds that exist among those working in the corrections field.
The Ongoing Danger Faced by Corrections Officers
The attack on Paquette highlights a concerning trend in the volatile and dangerous nature of the work performed by corrections officers. The attack follows a similar incident in which another Cook County jail guard was assaulted last fall, an event also captured on surveillance video. This ongoing issue has led to concerns about the safety and working conditions for corrections officers in Cook County Jail.
The Teamsters Union, which represents many of the jail guards, has raised alarms over the staffing levels and working conditions within the jail. Union leaders argue that inadequate staffing and the dangerous environment put officers at a higher risk of injury. However, officials from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office have stated that staffing levels were sufficient during the March attack, emphasizing that the volatile nature of the environment in correctional facilities presents constant dangers, regardless of the number of staff present.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office has also acknowledged the dangerous environment in which corrections officers work, and their concerns about staff safety have been echoed by various law enforcement and union officials. The sheriff’s office described the situation as one where officers must be constantly prepared for sudden violence, as exemplified by the brutal assault on Paquette.
The Long Road to Recovery
For Blair Paquette, the road to recovery is still long, with much of it dependent on both his physical healing and the emotional scars left behind by the attack. His wife, Liz, remains hopeful, drawing comfort from the support they’ve received from the community, but she knows that the road ahead will be challenging.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those working in correctional facilities. While Paquette is fortunate to be alive, many other officers across the country face similar risks every day. The ongoing discussions about staff safety and working conditions in correctional facilities must continue to ensure that officers are provided with the resources and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
As Blair Paquette continues his recovery, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those working on the front lines of law enforcement, often in environments fraught with danger and uncertainty. The hope is that, through continued community support and attention to the conditions under which corrections officers work, similar incidents can be prevented in the future, ensuring that those who protect and serve are better supported.
