Fact Check: "Ten inmates escaped through a hole created by removing a toilet."
What We Know
On May 16, 2025, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans by fleeing through a hole in the cell wall that was created by removing a metal toilet and sink. The hole was large enough for an individual to squeeze through, and above it, someone had scrawled messages indicating the ease of their escape, including a taunting remark that it was “too easy” (AP News, New York Times). The escape occurred while the only guard assigned to the pod was away getting food, leading to significant lapses in security (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that ten inmates escaped through a hole created by removing a toilet is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. According to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the inmates were able to escape through a hole in the wall after tampering with a locked cell door and removing the toilet and sink (New York Times). Surveillance footage captured the escapees leaving the facility and scaling a wall, further confirming the details of their escape (AP News).
The sheriff indicated that there were indications of possible inside help, as the escape would have been nearly impossible without assistance from jail staff (New York Times). This assertion is supported by the fact that three employees were suspended pending an investigation into the security failures that allowed the escape to occur (AP News).
The reliability of the sources is strong, as they include reputable news organizations such as the Associated Press and the New York Times, both of which have a history of accurate reporting. The information has been corroborated by official statements from law enforcement, which adds to its credibility.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that ten inmates escaped through a hole created by removing a toilet is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that the escape involved a hole in the wall behind a toilet, and the circumstances surrounding the escape indicate significant security failures at the facility.