Senator Golden: New York State Parole Board Makes Wrong Decision on Cop Killer

Albany- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today is strongly denouncing a recent 2-1 decision by the New York State State Parole Board to grant parole and release cop-killer Shuaib Raheem.

Shuaib Raheem was a Muslim militant who was involved in a botched armed robbery at John & Al’s Sporting Goods in Williamsburg, in January 1973. The incident resulted in the death of Patrolman Stephen Gilroy and injured Patrolman Frank Carpentier during a 47 hour hostage siege.

“It is wrong to parole anyone who has murdered a police officer. The fact that this has happened in New York State is a travesty, not only for Officer Gilroy’s family, but also for every law abiding resident of this great State. Clearly, the State Parole Board cannot be trusted to keep dangerous criminals behind bars on its own." said Senator Golden.

Senator Golden, a former New York City Police Officer, and long time sponsor of legislation which would reinstate the death penalty for individuals convicted of killing a police officer, has championed legislation to keep violent criminals behind bars and off New York’s streets.

“By allowing any cop killer to be paroled we are sending criminals, and police officers the wrong message. We are doing a disservice to all the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and telling murderers that it doesn’t matter who you kill. I believe that we need to send a message to killers, and that is, if you kill a police officer, you will receive swift, severe and certain punishment,” continued Senator Golden.

“It is our duty to protect every citizen of our City and State. By allowing those who murder police officers in cold blood to go free, they are putting everyone’s life at risk. Shuaib Raheem should never have the opportunity to enjoy freedom,” concluded Senator Golden.