Petition Drive to Deny Parole to Cop Killer Goes Statewide

Albany, NY – With a parole hearing imminent for convicted cop killer Anthony Bottom, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-57th District) is urging district residents to sign an online petition demanding that the New York State Board of Parole deny his release. The move comes in the wake of the parole board’s recent decision to grant parole to one of Bottom’s accomplices, Herman Bell.

“Like New Yorkers everywhere, I was alarmed and outraged when the New York State Parole Board recently voted to grant parole to murderer Herman Bell, who brutally killed two New York City police officers. Any day, that same board will be considering parole for Anthony Bottom, one of Bell’s co-defendants,” said Senator Young. “In signing this petition, we have an opportunity to remind the parole board that we expect them to prioritize public safety and justice in any and every decision. They need to keep Anthony Bottom behind bars where he belongs.”  

Bottom was one of three men convicted and sent to prison for gunning down and killing Officers Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones in 1971 after luring them to a Harlem housing project.  Bottom is up for parole in June. 

In addition, Governor Cuomo recently signed an Executive Order pardoning more than 24,000 violent felons on parole, including murderers, rapists and cop killers, so they can vote in November.

“For hardworking, law-abiding New Yorkers, the Governor’s unilateral action granting hardened criminals the privilege of voting and the parole board’s inexplicable decision on Herman Bell are upside down justice. Decisions like these are dangerous and irresponsible and it’s time for state residents to speak up and make their voices heard,” Senator Young concluded.

Interested individuals can sign an online petition calling on the parole board to deny Anthony Bottom’s release at noparoleforanthonybottom.com.