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
Mother's Day 2025: Families across Chicago area share appreciation for all mother figures on Mother's Day

Celebrating Mother’s Day 2025: Chicago Families Honor and Appreciate Mother Figures

CHICAGO (WLS) — Sunday was Mother’s Day, and for many it was…
The Room Where It Happened: Details of How Trump Team Facilitated Huge India-Pakistan Ceasefire

Inside the Negotiation: How Trump’s Team Successfully Brokered the India-Pakistan Ceasefire

While the perpetrators of the attack haven’t been definitively identified, the Indian…
Special prayer for Pope Leo XIV expected at Holy Name Cathedral Chicago's first Sunday Mass since election

Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago to Hold Special Prayer for Pope Leo XIV During First Sunday Mass Post-Election

CHICAGO (WLS) — Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Sunday blessing at…
Hamas claims it will release American hostage Edan Alexander

Hamas Announces Plans to Release American Hostage Edan Alexander

Hamas claimed on Sunday that it would release American hostage Edan Alexander.…
Tesla road-rage driver allegedly assaults teen, mom in Hawaii months after prison release

Tesla Driver Faces Charges for Allegedly Attacking Teen and Mother in Hawaii After Recent Prison Release

The driver of a Tesla, previously found guilty of road rage incidents…
Trump urges Ukraine to accept peace talks with Putin 'immediately'

Trump Encourages Ukraine to Enter Peace Discussions with Putin Right Away

On Sunday, President Trump called for Ukraine to “immediately” engage in peace…
Barack Obama 'lucky' to have wife Michelle after squashing divorce rumors

Barack Obama Grateful for His Marriage to Michelle Amidst Divorce Speculations

Barack Obama gushed over his wife, Michelle Obama, in a sweet Mother’s…
Liberty set for final preseason tune-up, roster decisions before WNBA title defense begins

Liberty Gears Up for Final Preseason Game and Roster Choices Ahead of WNBA Title Defense

EUGENE, Ore. — Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu eagerly anticipates showcasing her skills…
Jordon Hudson, Bill Belichick hold hands after Miss Maine USA pageant letdown

Jordon Hudson and Bill Belichick Share a Moment of Support After Miss Maine USA Pageant Disappointment

Jordon Hudson couldn’t conceal her disappointment after securing third place at the…
Dana White shows off Belal Muhammad's horrifying UFC injury in gruesome photo

Dana White shares shocking photo of Belal Muhammad’s severe UFC injury

Belal Muhammad lost his title and some of his lip. In his…
Fintech giant Chime moving to bigger space on Fifth Ave NYC

Chime Expands Its Footprint with New Location on Fifth Avenue, NYC

Chime, a fintech company based in San Francisco, has recently expanded its…
Trump to receive Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar's ruling family: Report

Qatar’s Royal Family Gifts Boeing 747-8 Jumbo Jet to Trump: Report

The announcement of the gift was anticipated during Trump’s visit to Qatar,…