Lt. Gov. Delgado’s Tour Features Controversial Figure
ALBANY – This week, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado kicked off his “People’s Stand” tour, taking time to speak with various New Yorkers, including a former member of the Black Liberation Army. This individual, now known as Jalil Muntakim, spent close to five decades in prison for the 1971 murders of two New York City police officers.
Anthony Bottom, as he was originally known, was released on parole in October 2020 after serving 49 years for killing NYPD Officers Waverly Jones and Joseph Piagentini during a violent time for groups like the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army.
Delgado’s campaign shared photos from a recent listening session at a diner in Rochester, which showed Muntakim sitting at a table with Delgado and other attendees. Delgado, who is vying to replace incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, has been facing scrutiny after publicly breaking with President Joe Biden regarding his call for her resignation in 2024.
Delgado’s team did not provide comments on Muntakim’s presence at the event, only stating that he wasn’t working for the campaign.
The event has provoked strong reactions, particularly from New York City’s police union. Patrick Hendry, the president of the Police Benevolent Association, expressed outrage, labeling Muntakim a “ruthless assassin” and stating he cannot be considered a political prisoner due to his violent past.
Muntakim is currently a “special projects coordinator” for Citizen Action, a liberal activist organization, and has been seen wearing their branded apparel at various events.
Rebecca Garrard, co-executive director of Citizen Action, defended Muntakim, calling him a respected member of the Rochester community and emphasizing that everyone has their past but shouldn’t be defined by it.
Citizen Action has publicly endorsed Delgado for governor.
As for Muntakim, he was unavailable for comment on Friday. Following his parole, the widow of Officer Piagentini, Diane, expressed her dismay, stating she felt “heartbroken” over the release influenced by political maneuvering.
