New City, NY – Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick (D-Rockland/Westchester) has released the following statement:
“The outgoing Governor’s decision to grant clemency to one of the Brinks murderers is a slap in the face of everyone in Rockland who lived through the horror of seeing Rockland County victimized by the domestic terrorists of the Weather Underground. With the 40th anniversary of the Brinks Robbery coming up in just two months, Cuomo’s decision rubs salt in the wounds of the friends and family members who still grieve the loss of Sgt. Edward O’Grady, Officer Waverly “Chipper” Brown and Brinks guard Peter Page.
When I first became aware of Mr. Gilbert’s clemency petition earlier this year, I sent a letter to Governor Cuomo, urging him to reject the clemency petition. Many other local elected officials sent similar letters.
I condemn this decision, which will make this year’s ceremony on October 20 especially difficult for our community. Shame on the outgoing Governor for this decision!”