N.J. Cop-Killer First Woman Added to FBI Terrorist List

The most wanted woman in New Jersey history is now the first woman on the FBI's fugitive terrorist list.

Joanne Chesimard, convicted of a murdering a state trooper in 1973, was added to the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorist list Thursday on the 40-year anniversary of the trooper's death.

The FBI Newark Division held a press conference Thursday to announce the addition of Chesimard's name and the collaboration between federal and state law enforcement agencies in upping the reward for information that leads to her arrest to $2 million. Chesimard is the first woman on the Most Wanted Terrorist List.

Chesimard, who is now known as Assata Shakur, has been living under political asylum in Cuba since she broke out of a Hunterdon County prison during a daring escape in 1979.

“Joanne Chesimard is a domestic terrorist who murdered a law enforcement officer execution-style,” said Aaron Ford, special agent in charge of the FBI Newark Division. “Today, on the anniversary of Trooper Werner Foerster’s death, we want the public to know that we will not rest until this fugitive is brought to justice.”

Chesimard and two accomplices were stopped on the New Jersey Turnpike by a pair of state troopers for a motor vehicle violation on May 2, 1973, according to a release on the FBI's website. Chesimard, who was a member of the Black Liberation Army, was also wanted for several felonies, including a bank robbery, at the time.

When confronted by one of the troopers, Chesimard and her accomplices opened fire, wounding the officer who approached her and killing Foerster at point-blank range. One of her accomplices was also killed and the other was arrested and remains in jail. 

In 1977, Chesimard was found guilty of first-degree murder, armed robbery and more and was sentenced to life in prison.

“Bringing Joanne Chesimard back here to face justice is still a top priority,” said New Jersey state police Lieutenant Mike Rinaldi, a member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force

In addition to being the first woman on the list, Chesimard is also only the second domestic terrorist to be added to the list.