On June 20, 2024, outside the federal courthouse in Fargo, North Dakota, demonstrators sang a prayer for Leonard Peltier to a drumbeat. They were rallying for Peltier’s release, who was convicted in Fargo for the deaths of FBI agents in South Dakota back in 1975.
After a surge of public support for his release, a Native American man found guilty of murdering two FBI agents in South Dakota nearly half a century ago has been denied parole, effectively putting an end to any potential for his early release.
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At 79 years old, Leonard Peltier is currently serving two consecutive life sentences in prison and his health is said to be deteriorating. The most recent hearing for his parole was held last month, but he will not be eligible for another parole hearing until June of 2026.
In 1975, during the time when the shootings occurred, Peltier was an active member of the American Indian Movement. He belongs to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.
The FBI reported that during the pursuit 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, a deadly shootout occurred in the area, leading to tragic consequences.
Federal authorities have stated that Joseph Stuntz, an AIM member, was fatally shot by a law enforcement sniper. However, there has been criticism of the government’s handling of the incident, the trial, and Leonard Peltier’s conviction, including the lack of investigation into Stuntz’s death.
Leonard Peltier has always maintained his innocence, and his parole request has garnered support from various individuals and groups. Amnesty International USA’s executive director, Paul O’Brien, stated on Tuesday that President Joe Biden must grant Peltier clemency. O’Brien further added that “keeping Leonard Peltier detained is a violation of human rights.”
O’Brien pointed out that the trial’s fairness remains a lingering, unresolved concern. Moreover, the fact that the individual in question has been in prison for almost half a century, is nearing his 80s, and is struggling with multiple chronic health conditions, adds to the gravity of the situation.
President and CEO of NDN Collective, Nick Tilsen, recently issued a statement on behalf of the Indigenous rights organization based in Rapid City.
According to Tilsen, today marks a somber occasion for Indigenous communities and the pursuit of justice worldwide. The refusal by the U.S. Parole Commission to grant parole to Leonard Peltier, the Indigenous political prisoner who has served the longest sentence in American history, is an absolute disgrace.
In his letter to the Parole Commission, FBI Director Christopher Wray made it clear that he and the bureau are firmly against granting parole to Peltier. According to Wray, Peltier is a ruthless killer who callously took the lives of two FBI agents and then fled from the law in a violent manner.
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 not a suitable candidate for parole.
