The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) announced Tuesday it is launching an investigation into the safety of inmates in Georgia prisons.

In 2020, 26 prisoners died in Georgia prisons by confirmed or suspected homicide, and 18 have died so far in 2021, she said, adding that footage leaked on social media about contraband and weapons in the state’s facilities also raised concerns.

In June of this year, a thirty-four-year-old inmate was stabbed to death at Hays State Prison in Chattooga County. Renberto Ventura was stabbed in the neck and back in his cell

The DoJ says they will examine whether the state adequately protects prisoners held at close and medium security prisoners from physical harm at the hands of other prisoners.

“The Justice Department is committed to seeking a solution to the devastating effects of prison staff shortages, inadequate policies and training and the lack of accountability,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke.

Clarke says says understaffing can lead to inadequate supervision and violence and lack to access to medical and healthcare.