NAPO Urges FBI Director to prioritize rendition of Joanne Chesimard – and other violent fugitives like her – from Cuba as part of the Bureau’s efforts to apprehend the criminals on the “Most Wanted” list.
March 20, 2025
The Honorable Kash Patel
Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20535
Dear Director Patel:
On behalf of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), representing over 241,000 rank-and-file law enforcement officers across the country, I am writing to you to urge the FBI to seek by all means the immediate return of Joanne Chesimard – and other violent fugitives like her – from Cuba as part of the Bureau’s efforts to apprehend the criminals on the “Most Wanted” list.
Joanne Chesimard is the only woman on the FBI’s most wanted terrorist list for her role in the cold-blooded execution-style murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster in 1973. The fact that she – and violent fugitives like her – are living free in Cuba is an affront to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities as law enforcement officers – above all to the family and friends of police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Joanne Chesimard has been living a free life in Cuba since 1984, while Trooper Foerster’s family has been suffering without closure for over 50 years. As the FBI and the Administration work to secure the return to justice of violent criminals, NAPO urges you to do everything in your power to ensure the rendition of Joanne Chesimard and other violent fugitives like her from Cuba.
We thank you for your efforts to ensure that those who commit violent, heinous crimes face justice, and that the families of those who lost their lives are brought peace. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (703) 549-0775.
