Response to Joanne Chesimado’s Death

New Jersey politicians are reacting to the passing of Joanne Chesimado, a Democratic candidate. Interestingly, Governor Mikie Sherrill has been notably silent, contrasting with other Democrats who engaged with her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli.

Chesimado, also recognized as Assata Shakur, became a contentious figure in New Jersey politics especially after the 1973 murder of state trooper Werner Forster and her subsequent flight to Cuba.

“Joanne Chesimado’s death highlights the ongoing tragedy that results from a justice system that failed after the murder of Trooper Forster,” Ciattarelli’s campaign remarked in a statement. “While she never accepted accountability, she seems to stand with those honoring Trooper Forster’s sacrifice,” he added.

Sherrill’s campaign has not commented further on this issue. Meanwhile, both Democrat and Republican leaders have reflected on the incident’s profound ties to law enforcement and its lasting repercussions on New Jersey’s political landscape.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy mentioned in a statement that he had spoken to Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently. He lamented, “We’ve tried for years to have Chesimado returned to New Jersey to face justice for the brutal murder of an American hero. Sadly, she passed without acknowledging her violent crime.” He emphasized the need to honor Trooper Forster’s memory and sacrifices.

Murphy expressed his strong opposition to any attempts to repatriate Chesimado’s remains to the U.S. Additionally, he criticized a post from the Chicago Teachers Union that highlighted figures like Chesimado, calling it “shameful.” Republican Rep. Mike Inganamort echoed this sentiment, asserting that the CTU was “celebrating a police murderer.”

Democrat Josh Gottimer remarked on social media that he has long fought for justice for Trooper Forster, pointing out that Chesimado managed to evade accountability while inflicting lasting pain on the trooper’s family and colleagues.

Rep. Tom Keene stated that Forster will be remembered for his honorable service and sacrifice. He reiterated the ongoing need to honor Trooper Forster’s legacy in light of Chesimado’s passing.

To provide some context, Chesimado was involved in a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike with members of the Black Liberation Army, during which Trooper Forster was killed. In 1977, she was convicted of multiple charges including first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

She escaped from prison in 1979 and later surfaced in Cuba in 1984, where she evaded capture. The FBI and New Jersey Attorney General once offered a $1 million reward for her capture.