Reward Doubled to $2M for N.J. Trooper's Killer
The reward for the capture of a 1970s black nationalist who killed a New Jersey trooper doubled to $2 million on the 40th anniversary of the crime. The FBI also named Assata Shakur to its Most Wanted Terrorists.

Screenshot via FBI.
The reward for the capture of a 1970s black nationalist who killed a New Jersey trooper doubled to $2 million on the 40th anniversary of the crime. The FBI also named Assata Shakur, who was previously known as Joanne Chesimard, to its Most Wanted Terrorists.
The New Jersey State Police has pledged $1 million to the existing $1 million reward offered by the FBI.
Shakur was convicted of killing Trooper Werner Foerster during a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike in May of 1973. The trooper had pulled her over for a motor vehicle violation. She disarmed the trooper and fatally shot him with his service weapon.
"This case is just as important today as it was when it happened 40 years ago," said Mike Rinaldi, a New Jersey State Police lieutenant and member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Newark. "Bringing Joanne Chesimard back here to face justice is still a top priority."
Following her conviction and sentencing, Shakur escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women on Nov. 2, 1979. While visiting her, three members of the Black Liberation Army drew concealed .45-caliber pistols, seized two guards as hostages and commandeered a prison van.
In 1984, Shakur fled to Cuba, where she was given asylum. There have been several unsuccessful attempts to extradite her. On May 2, 2005, the FBI classified her as a "domestic terrorist," increasing the reward for assistance in her capture to $1 million.
In 2011, President Obama skipped National Police Week events to host a poetry night with a performance from rapper Common, author of the work, "A song for Assata."
More Patrol

Adept Armor Introduces Two New Rifle Plates
Adept Armor has launched two new Level IV ballistic plates, the Emperor and the Archon Mark 2, which brings Adept Armor’s new Quatroid ceramic to the high-threat, performance-value center of the range at 5.2 pounds.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Benchmade Bailout
The Benchmade Bailout is a slim, lightweight carry knife with a deep-ride pocket clip and comes in a variety of blade steels and scales. Here is a detailed review of the Taiga Green Bailout, released earlier this year.
Read More →
NLEOMF Announces July 2026 Officer of the Month
NLEOMF honored a Michigan deputy sheriff as the July 2026 Officer of the Month for rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle following a Fourth of July crash.
Read More →
Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →