Lefties slammed for celebrating fugitive activist who executed NJ state trooper
Shakur was found guilty in 1977 of murder, armed robbery and other crimes and was sentenced to life in prison. AP
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is under fire after publishing a tribute to Assata Shakur — the convicted murderer and fugitive who died this week in Cuba.
Shakur, born Joanne Deborah Chesimard, was serving a life sentence for the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster when she escaped from prison in 1979. She fled to Cuba, where she lived in exile for decades and remained on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list. She died Thursday at age 78 in Havana, according to Cuban officials, who cited health complications and advanced age.
Despite Shakur’s violent record, the CTU praised her in a social media post, calling her “a revolutionary fighter” and quoting her words about freedom and solidarity. The post drew swift outrage online, including from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
“Shameful and depraved,” Murphy wrote on X. “She was convicted of the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, who was executed in cold blood. There are so many worthy heroes to celebrate. She is not one of them.”
Other groups, including the Democratic Socialists of America, also issued statements lauding Shakur’s life and legacy, sparking further backlash.
Critics quickly pointed out her criminal history and terrorist designation. Civil rights attorney Andrew Laufer condemned the CTU’s tribute, saying: “She was a terrorist and murderer … How about we honor the man she murdered instead.”
Social media users echoed the outrage. One wrote, “She’s a cop-killing terrorist. Shame on you.” Another said, “This is a disgrace. I find it hard to believe any organization, other than a terrorist group, would openly celebrate her.”
The CTU represents more than 27,000 members and has faced mounting criticism for its decision to glorify a fugitive convicted of murder.
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