Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez (D-32) slammed JetBlue airlines for publishing a poster with convicted cop killer Joanne Chesimard last month, saying it was “extremely insensitive” to law enforcement.
“There’s no place in Black History Month, or any month for that matter, for us to pay tribute to a convicted murderer,†Jimenez said in a statement. “Joanne Chesimard made a career out of seeking out police officers to harm or even kill, and she tragically took the life of one of our brave state troopers.”
“And as a woman of Cuban descent, it’s devastating to know she has been able to live free under political asylum in Cuba for decades. Chesimard does not belong on a poster or a pedestal. She belongs in an American prison. JetBlue’s actions were insensitive and extremely disrespectful to the heroic men and women in law enforcement and Trooper Foerster’s family.”
Chesimard, who also goes under the alias Assata Shakur, was found guilty of killing New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster.
She is on the FBI’s Most Wanted List and local, statewide and federal officials have pressured the Cuban government into returning her to the United States – to no avail.
Last month, JetBlue published a poster with Chesimard’s photo as part of a Black History Month tribute.
“Our crewmembers came together to celebrate Black History Month with a display in Terminal 5 featuring prominent individuals in history. When we learned of concerns regarding one individual, we immediately removed the poster,” the JetBlue corporate communications team told HCV.
“The intention was always to unite our crewmembers and customers around the importance of Black History Month and we apologize for any offense the poster may have caused.”
Editor’s Note: This story was updated with a comment from the JetBlue corporate communications team.Â