In New York City, activists are fighting back against efforts by politicians and the police to force the state parole board to reverse its decision to grant parole to former Black Panther Herman Bell, who has been imprisoned for nearly 45 years for the killing of two police officers. Among those pressuring the board to reverse its decision is New York City Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio. In the parole board’s decision to release Bell, its members cited a “noteworthy” letter from an unnamed person—likely the son of one of the victims, officer Waverly Jones. On Friday afternoon, Herman Bell’s lawyer, Robert Boyle, read a letter written by Waverly Jones Jr.

Robert Boyle: “The fact is that Mr. Bell has taken responsibility for his actions, has expressed genuine remorse, is 70 years old and has been in prison for 45 years. In these times of increased hate, we need more compassion and forgiveness. Signed by Waverly Jones.”