On June 20, 2024, a group of demonstrators gathered outside the federal courthouse in Fargo, North Dakota, singing a prayer for Leonard Peltier to the beat of a drum. Their objective was to demand the release of Peltier, who had been convicted of the deaths of FBI agents in South Dakota in 1975 at a trial held in Fargo. The scene was captured by Jeff Beach for the North Dakota Monitor.
After a nationwide campaign supporting his release, a Native American man who was found guilty of murdering two FBI agents in South Dakota almost 50 years ago has been denied parole, possibly bringing an end to his chances of release.
At the age of 79, Leonard Peltier is currently serving two consecutive life terms in prison and his health is said to be deteriorating. Despite his recent parole hearing, which was held last month, he will not be eligible for another parole hearing until June 2026.
In 1975, during the time of the shootings, Peltier was an active member of the American Indian Movement and belonged to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.
The FBI reported that during the arrest attempt of a robbery suspect on the Pine Ridge Reservation, agents Ron Williams and Jack Coler followed a vehicle that included Peltier and other individuals. Unfortunately, the encounter resulted in a deadly shootout in that part of the reservation.
The wait begins for Leonard Peltier
According to federal authorities, Joseph Stuntz, a member of AIM, died from a shot fired by a law enforcement sniper. The government’s handling of the incident, the trial, and Peltier’s conviction have been subject to numerous criticisms, including the lack of investigation into Stuntz’s death.
Leonard Peltier has continuously claimed his innocence, and a multitude of individuals and groups have come together to support his request for parole. Paul O’Brien, the executive director of Amnesty International USA, stated on Tuesday that President Joe Biden should provide clemency to Peltier. O’Brien believes that “keeping Leonard Peltier imprisoned is a violation of human rights.”
According to O’Brien, there are still unresolved concerns about the fairness of the trial and the fact that the individual in question has spent close to 50 years in prison, is almost 80 years of age, and suffers from multiple chronic health issues.
President and CEO Nick Tilsen of NDN Collective, an organization focused on Indigenous rights based in Rapid City, has issued a statement.
Tilsen expressed his grief by stating that today is a sorrowful day for the Indigenous community and justice worldwide. He emphasized that the U.S. Parole Commission’s decision to deny parole for Leonard Peltier, who is America’s longest-serving Indigenous political prisoner, is a blatant injustice.
According to Director Christopher Wray, the FBI is strongly against Peltier’s request for parole. Wray made it clear in a letter to the Parole Commission that Peltier is a heartless murderer who mercilessly killed two members of the FBI and then went on a violent run from the law.
According to Wray, Peltier has never taken responsibility for his actions or expressed any remorse over the years. As a result, Wray believes that Peltier is completely unsuitable for parole.
