Rubio blasts communist Cuban regime as NJ trooper’s killer remains free
Share this @internewscast.com

On May 2, 1973, New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster stopped a vehicle on the New Jersey Turnpike for a broken taillight.

Inside were three armed members of the radical Black Liberation Army.

Soon after, a gunfight broke out, resulting in Officer Foerster being shot four times and losing his life. As years pass, the demand for justice in the officer’s brutal killing continues to grow.

Joanne Chesimard, one of the individuals involved, has been evading capture. She broke out of a New Jersey prison in 1979 and has since been residing freely in Cuba.

“She should be serving a life sentence,” says the current head of the state police, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan

Frank Connor

Frank Connor was killed in the FALN bombing of Manhattan’s Fraunces Tavern in 1975. Courtesy Joe Connor.  (Joe Connor)

The bill is also named for another victim, Frank Connor. In 1975, Connor, a New York City banker, was having lunch in the historic Fraunces Tavern when a bomb exploded, killing him and three others, and wounding more than 50 people. The device had been planted by the Puerto Rican terrorist group “Armed Forces for National Liberation” (FALN), which was responsible for a wave of terrorist bombings in New York City in the 1970s.

The FALN’s chief bombmaker, Willie Morales, also escaped a U.S. prison to find safety in Fidel Castro’s Cuba.

“We have convicted terrorists who we do have the power to get back,” says Connor’s son, Joe, who has been in the forefront of the push to return the fugitives. He says President Trump can achieve that.

“Trump absolutely can use economic power,” he says. “We have these convicted terrorists 90 miles from home, we have the economic leverage on Cuba to bring them back. Cut the deal, bring these guys back, and then we will talk about how we are going to assist Cuba in the future.”

Fraunces Tavern

Four people were killed, and more than 50 were injured, after a bomb exploded in Fraunces Tavern, in New York City. The FALN, a Puerto Rican nationalist group, claimed responsibility. (New York Daily News via Getty Images)

“It would really mean something, that there is justice for my dad.”

In January, Secretary of State Rubio honored Connor and the other Fraunces Tavern victims on the anniversary of the FALN attack.

“We must also recommit ourselves to demanding that wanted U.S. fugitives under the Cuban regime’s protection be brought to justice. We owe the victims and the American people our unwavering commitment to holding the Cuban regime accountable.”

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy marked the anniversary of Foerster’s murder by saying, “As we honor his memory, our commitment to justice has never wavered. More than half a century later, we continue to pursue his murderer’s repatriation to New Jersey to face the consequences of her actions.”

Colonel Callahan notes that in its 104-year history, the state police force has lost 78 troopers in the line of duty, but that Foerster’s death and Chesimard’s freedom remain “an open wound.”

“There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not trying to do something about bringing her back here,” he says.

 Fox News Producer Maria Paronich contributed to this story.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Los Angeles Dodgers' Alex Vesia and wife mourn death of infant daughter

Heartbreaking Loss: Dodgers’ Alex Vesia and Wife Share Tragic News of Infant Daughter’s Passing

Vesia and his wife expressed deep gratitude to the Dodgers, their fans,…
Voters’ anger over high electricity bills and data centers loom over 2026 midterms

Rising Electricity Costs and Data Center Concerns Set to Influence 2026 Midterm Elections

Voter frustration over rising living costs is steering the conversation towards next…
Russian drone strikes tower block in eastern Ukraine kills 3, injures 12

Tragic Drone Attack in Eastern Ukraine: 3 Dead, 12 Injured in Tower Block Strike

In a harrowing incident early Saturday morning, a Russian drone crashed into…
Scarlett Johansson Calls Out 'People Making Antisemitic Comments': I'm 'Concerned They're Going to Be Physically Violent'

Scarlett Johansson Speaks Out: Addressing the Rise of Antisemitism and Its Threats

Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson recently addressed the concerning increase in antisemitism during…
Jacksonville Fair, law enforcement assure safety amid viral 'Fair Takeover' concern

Jacksonville Fair Boosts Security Measures in Response to ‘Fair Takeover’ Buzz

The Jacksonville Fair, a beloved local tradition known for its thrilling rides,…
Some states are requiring gun safety lessons in schools that teach kids 'stop, don't touch'

Why More States Are Mandating ‘Stop, Don’t Touch’ Gun Safety Lessons in Schools

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — As the new school year unfolds, students across…
Trump Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor

Trump’s Surprise Endorsement: Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor Shakes Up the Race!

Former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Vivek Ramaswamy in…
Seattle robber bites off 88-year-old woman's finger during violent robbery, police say

Shocking Seattle Crime: 88-Year-Old Woman’s Finger Severed in Brutal Robbery Attack

An elderly woman from Seattle, aged 88, is recovering in the hospital…
4 dead, 11 injured after police chase ends in crash in Ybor City, TPD says

Tragic Ybor City Crash: Police Chase Ends with 4 Dead, 11 Injured in Devastating Accident

The Tampa Police Department has reported the arrest of 22-year-old Silas Sampson,…
Washington's struggling economy takes another economic hit from the government shutdown

Government Shutdown Deals Another Blow to Washington’s Faltering Economy: What It Means for You

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the holiday season approaches, the Capital Area Food…
McDonald's meltdown: Michigan woman wanted after allegedly tossing hot coffee at manager

Michigan Woman Sought After Allegedly Hurling Hot Coffee at McDonald’s Manager in Heated Dispute

A Michigan woman was captured on surveillance footage throwing hot coffee at…
Judge optimistic about improvements at Chicago-area ICE facility with alleged 'inhumane' conditions

Judge Sees Promising Reforms at Controversial Chicago ICE Facility Amid Inhumane Conditions Allegations

CHICAGO—In a recent development, a federal judge conveyed a sense of hope…