Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) released the following statement in response to reports that a summit attended by a number of prominent elected officials, including New Jersey’s own U.S. Senator Cory Booker, opened with chants praising convicted cop-killer Joanne Chesimard.

Pennacchio has been a vocal advocate for the return of Chesimard. He and fellow Senate Republican, Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-25) have long sponsored a State Senate resolution, SR-15, urging Chesimard’s extradition from Cuba.

“Joanne Chesimard is a domestic terrorist and the convicted murderer of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster,” Pennacchio said. “I stand with the New Jersey State Police and wholeheartedly condemn anyone who has the gall to glorify a cop killer.

“I am particularly concerned that New Jersey’s U.S. Senator Cory Booker was present and failed to denounce Chesimard, even though she remains one of the FBI’s Most Wanted. His silence speaks volumes.

“I urge all of our Congressional representatives to support our law enforcement heroes and right this wrong by joining me in the call for Chesimard’s immediate extradition to the United States.”

Joanne Chesimard was convicted of murder in the 1973 shooting death of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster on the New Jersey Turnpike. She escaped prison and fled to Cuba, where she has been hiding under the guise of asylum since 1984.

“Senator Booker should be ashamed of himself,” Pennacchio added. “I cannot imagine the pain the family of Trooper Werner Foerster continues to endure to this day – and these comments only add insult to injury. Chesimard must face justice for her crimes.”