JetBlue, state police respond after airline honors NJ trooper killer during Black History Month

JetBlue is getting some heat after a poster display commemorating Black History Month at LaGuardia Airport featured a woman who fatally shot a New Jersey State Trooper back in 1973.

News 12 Staff

Feb 28, 2019, 3:51 PM

Updated 1,884 days ago

Share:

JetBlue, state police respond after airline honors NJ trooper killer during Black History Month
JetBlue is getting some heat after a poster display commemorating Black History Month at LaGuardia Airport featured a woman who fatally shot a New Jersey State Trooper back in 1973.
A memorial in East Brunswick stands dedicated to State Trooper 
Back in 1973, Joanne Chesimard, and other members of the extremist group Black Liberation Army, opened fired on state troopers during a traffic stop on the New Jersey Turnpike.
Foerster was shot and killed, while the other was shot and wounded.
Chesimard was sentenced to prison in 1979, but she escaped and fled to Cuba, where she was seen in 1984, and is still believed to be there to this day.
JetBlue issued a statement apologizing and saying, “Our crew members came together to celebrate Black History Month with a display in Terminal 5 featuring prominent individuals in history. When we learned of concerns regarding one individual, we immediately removed the poster. The intention was always to unite our crew members and customers around the importance of Black History Month and we apologize for any offense the poster may have caused."
New Jersey State Police have responded to the apology, saying, “Joanne Chesimard is a fugitive who was tried and convicted of the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster.  We appreciate Jet Blue removing the portrait of Chesimard out of respect for the Foerster family, the men and women of the New Jersey State Police, and all of the men and women in law enforcement that made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We will never forget the service of Trooper Foerster and remain steadfast and committed in our efforts to bring Chesimard to justice."
Chesimard remains on the FBI's most wanted terrorist list.


More from News 12
Tractor-trailer crashes into 100-year-old Cedar Grove pharmacy

Tractor-trailer crashes into 100-year-old Cedar Grove pharmacy

0:29
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

1:23
Beautiful, sunny afternoon for New Jersey; scattered showers expected this weekend

Beautiful, sunny afternoon for New Jersey; scattered showers expected this weekend

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:31
Police: Former Giants lineman Korey Cunningham, 28, found dead in Clifton home

Police: Former Giants lineman Korey Cunningham, 28, found dead in Clifton home

1:21
SUV crashes through Dunkin' in Old Bridge

SUV crashes through Dunkin' in Old Bridge

0:23
North Wildwood approved for emergency beach replenishment

North Wildwood approved for emergency beach replenishment

0:52
Clothesline Project raises awareness of sexual assault survivors

Clothesline Project raises awareness of sexual assault survivors

0:42
Police: 3 women accused of stealing nearly $600 worth of merchandise from Target

Police: 3 women accused of stealing nearly $600 worth of merchandise from Target

2:17
South Brunswick implements plan to prevent fatal crashes

South Brunswick implements plan to prevent fatal crashes

2:28
Main Street New Jersey: Showcasing the best of North Brunswick

Main Street New Jersey: Showcasing the best of North Brunswick

0:28
Former Carteret middle school teacher accused of sexually assaulting student

Former Carteret middle school teacher accused of sexually assaulting student

0:42
Former NJ national guardsman who set off large FBI manhunt pleads guilty to capitol riot charges

Former NJ national guardsman who set off large FBI manhunt pleads guilty to capitol riot charges

0:33
Somerville man indicted in murder of high school classmate

Somerville man indicted in murder of high school classmate

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

2:09
Paws & Pals: Bogey now up for adoption with JerseyGirls Animal Rescue

Paws & Pals: Bogey now up for adoption with JerseyGirls Animal Rescue

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

0:23
New York Giants add explosive receiving threat, taking Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 6 in NFL draft

New York Giants add explosive receiving threat, taking Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 6 in NFL draft

0:17
Jets trade down a spot, take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft

Jets trade down a spot, take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft

2:34
KIYC: NJ mayors call for tougher penalties for young criminals, but are juvenile crime stats increasing?

KIYC: NJ mayors call for tougher penalties for young criminals, but are juvenile crime stats increasing?