Leonard Peltier, an 80-year-old Native American man who had been serving time for the 1975 murders of two FBI agents, was recently released from prison following a decision by former President Joe Biden to commute his sentence.
On Tuesday, Peltier left the Coleman penitentiary in Florida, stepping into an SUV, leaving behind reporters and supporters who gathered to witness this historic moment.
Despite his poor health, Peltier was seen walking with the assistance of a walker as he boarded a plane at Leesburg Airport, surrounded by photographers.
He was headed back to his home reservation, where family and friends awaited to celebrate his freedom.
A Controversial Case
Peltier’s case has been a point of contention for decades.
He was convicted in 1977 for the deaths of FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams during a standoff on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Over the years, Peltier has maintained his innocence, claiming he did not kill the agents, but that he acted in self-defense.
Despite his claims, some prominent figures, including former FBI Director Christopher Wray, continue to insist that Peltier was guilty.
Wray called Peltier “a remorseless killer” in a private letter to President Biden, reflecting the divided views on the case.
In addition to Wray, some political commentators, like radio host Mark Levin, have criticized the decision, calling it “depraved” and expressing concerns that it might set a dangerous precedent.
Levin’s remarks suggested that if Peltier were associated with a group like the Proud Boys, the media would have reacted differently to his release.
Critics have not held back, labeling Peltier a “cop killer,” further intensifying the debate surrounding his commutation.
The Fight for Freedom
On the other hand, Peltier has had a long-standing group of supporters, particularly within Native American communities, who see him as a political prisoner.
Nick Estes, a professor of American Indian Studies and a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, has been vocal about Peltier’s case, claiming he was racially profiled.
“He represents every person who’s been roughed up by a cop, profiled, had their children harassed at school,” Estes said.
Jenipher Jones, one of Peltier’s attorneys, shared that Peltier was excited to be going home, describing him as “in good spirits” and someone with the “soul of a warrior.”
Supporters gathered outside the prison were elated by the news, with some waving flags that read “Free Leonard Peltier.”
Ray St. Clair, a member of the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, expressed his joy, saying, “We never thought he would get out.
It shows you should never give up hope.”
The Legacy of AIM and Peltier’s Conviction
Peltier’s involvement with the American Indian Movement (AIM) played a significant role in the events that led to his conviction.
AIM, which was active in the 1960s and beyond, fought for Native American rights and the preservation of tribal sovereignty.
The 1975 standoff in South Dakota was a tragic event, and while two AIM members were acquitted on self-defense grounds, Peltier was convicted of first-degree murder.
He had been denied parole as recently as July and wasn’t eligible for reconsideration until 2026.
Despite his legal troubles, Peltier’s case became a symbol for many Indigenous activists who fought tirelessly for his release.
Generations of leaders had lobbied for a presidential pardon, and finally, Biden’s decision to commute his sentence offered a glimmer of hope.
A Complex Legacy and a New Beginning
Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna, commended Biden’s decision, calling it an important step forward.
Peltier’s story is one of survival and resilience, marked by a history of trauma, including being forcibly removed from his family as a child and sent to a boarding school—a fate experienced by thousands of Indigenous children over the years.
Nick Tilsen, an advocate for Peltier’s release, highlighted how the experience shaped Peltier’s life. “He hasn’t really had a home since he was taken away to boarding school,” Tilsen said.
Now, as Peltier returns home, he looks forward to reuniting with family, painting, and experiencing a life that has long been denied to him.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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