CHESTER, Ill. (AP) — Searches of inmates’ cells at the Menard prison turned up 21 weapons this week.

That’s according to Kevin Hirsch, who’s president of the union representing correctional officers at the 3,600-inmate prison in Chester where an officer was attacked on Sunday.

The 29-year veteran told The Associated Press exclusively he doesn’t recall a shakedown producing so many weapons since the 1990s.

Hirsch says the objects were plastic or metal and were altered in ways that could cause injury. He says searchers called some “killers” based on length and sharpness.

A Corrections Department spokeswoman says 13 weapons were found and an investigation continues.

Hirsch and his union the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees are arguing against closing the Tamms “supermax” prison which isolates troublemakers from other lockups.

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