Statement From Senate Majority Leader Flanagan Regarding Parole Of Domestic Terrorist Herman Bell

Like most New Yorkers, I am shocked and appalled by the State Parole Board’s decision to release Herman Bell, who murdered two New York City police officers in cold blood after luring them to a Harlem housing project and ambushing them when they arrived.  One even begged for his life and was shot and killed with his own gun.

What message does this indefensible release send to the victims’ families or to our brave law enforcement officials across the state that an individual could commit such a heinous act and still be set free to live and breathe with other New Yorkers?

Herman Bell is a callous and depraved cop-killer who took the lives of two police officers just because they wore the uniform.  He has forfeited his ability to live outside of the four walls of a prison cell.  The members of the Parole Board who made this decision should be removed immediately.