Fmr. Gov. Cuomo grants clemency to Weather Underground member

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 1:01 PM PT – Tuesday, August 24, 2021

As one of his last acts as New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo granted clemency to six people, with five of them being convicted murderers. Hours before stepping down on Monday night, Cuomo commuted four sentences, referred one case to the parole board and fully pardoned one person.

In a statement, Cuomo wrote “the march towards a more fair, more just, more equitable and more empathetic New York state is a long one, but every step forward we can take it worthwhile and important.” Among those who sentences were commuted was David Gilbert.

Gilbert was a member of the domestic terrorist organization known as the Weather Underground and was convicted of three counts of second degree murder as well as four counts of first degree robbery in connection with the armed attack on a Brinks truck in 1981. He has served 40 years of his 75 to life sentence.

Gilbert’s son, San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, has been a vocal advocate for his father’s release. However, as the botched armored truck heist led to the deaths of two police officers and a security guard, many have not been as ready to forgive.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) went on to say, “while I appreciate him wanting his father to be released, he should think long and hard about the families and the pain that they have had to endure for 40 years.”

Gilbert has been set to appear before the parole board, where he would have the chance to request an early end to his 75 years to life sentence.

I am granting clemency to 6 people.

These individuals have shown remorse, rehabilitation and commitment to their communities.

I thank all the volunteer attorneys representing clemency applicants for their dedication and service to justice. pic.twitter.com/iotA77BzzC

— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) August 23, 2021

Greg Mingo was also given a second chance by the former governor. Many have claimed Mingo was falsely accused in a robbery and double homicide, which took place in Queens, New York. Upon release, he has expressed plans to live with his family and counsel individuals who have struggled with anger, addiction or domestic abuse.

“My name is Gregory Mingo. I’m 67, almost 68 years old,” he stated. “I’ve been incarcerated for 39 and a half years of a 50 to life sentence for a crime I didn’t commit.”

Robert Ehrenberg, Ulysses Boyd and Paul Clark were the final three men convicted of second degree murder in separate situations and were all set to be released. Lawrence Penn pleaded guilty to falsifying business records in 2015 and Cuomo has claimed his pardon would allow Penn to fully reintegrate into society.

Opponents to the move argued the victims of these crimes deserved better and the focus should be on them.

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