New Jersey politicians react to Chesimard death, Sherrill stays quiet

As political figures across New Jersey react to the death of Joanne Chesimard, Democratic candidate for governor Mikie Sherrill has remained silent — a notable contrast to her Republican rival Jack Ciattarelli and other Democrats who have spoken out.

Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, has long been a polarizing figure in New Jersey politics after her conviction in the 1973 killing of a state trooper and subsequent escape to Cuba.

CONVICTED COP KILLER ASSATA SHAKUR, AN FBI MOST WANTED TERRORIST, DEAD IN CUBA, COMMUNIST REGIME SAYS

“Joanne Chesimard’s death is a reminder of the lasting tragedy that justice was never served for the murder of Trooper Werner Foerster,” Ciattarelli’s campaign wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital on Sunday.

“Though she will never be held accountable, we honor Trooper Foerster’s sacrifice and stand with all who carry his memory forward,” Ciattarelli added.

Sherrill’s campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Sherrill’s silence follows the response of political leaders from both parties, many of whom emphasized the case’s deep ties to law enforcement and its lasting impact on New Jersey’s political landscape.

Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said on Friday that he spoke to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the Cuban government confirmed Chesimard’s death. 

“For years, we have worked with the State Department to bring Chesimard back to New Jersey, so she could face justice for the cold-blooded murder of an American hero. Sadly, it appears she has passed without being held fully accountable for her heinous crimes,” Murphy wrote in a statement on X.

 “Unlike his killer, Trooper Foerster never had a chance to live out his days in peace. But we remain fully committed to honoring his memory and sacrifice,” he added.

A split of an NJ trooper, JoAnn Chesimard and Marco Rubio (NJ State Police / Ozier Muhammad/Newsday RM via Getty Images / Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Murphy said that he will “vigorously oppose any attempt to repatriate Chesimard’s remains to the United States.”

In a separate post, Murphy slammed the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) post on X honoring the “life and legacy of a revolutionary fighter, a fierce writer, a revered…