American Indian Movement (AIM) member Leonard Peltier, found guilty in the execution-style murders of two federal agents in 1975, masquerades as an innocent "human rights" activist and "political prisoner" behind bars. For over 35 years, Peltier has fooled millions into donating their time and money in the name of his phony defense. Recent evidence and two convictions in the murder of fellow AIM member Anna Mae Pictou Aquash implicates Peltier in her murder as well. Several witnesses have said Peltier interrogated Anna Mae in 1975 by putting a loaded gun in her mouth. Six months later, in December 1975, AIM leaders ordered Anna Mae's execution after having convinced themselves that she was an FBI informant. Anna Mae was never an informant. Like FBI Agents Ron Williams and Jack Coler, Anna Mae was shot in the head at point-blank range. 

Anna Mae Pictou Aquash, 1945-1975  

In the 1977 jury trial that convicted Peltier, the evidence against him was incontrovertible. He has lost all of his appeals. The US Supreme Court has twice declined to hear his case. In 2004, more evidence against him arose from the Aquash murder trial and the testimony of Ka-Mook Nichols, the former wife of AIM founder Dennis Banks. On the witness stand, Ka-Mook not only implicated Banks in the murder of Anna Mae Aquash, she also recalled Peltier's boast about shooting Agent Ron Williams, a statement heard by both Anna Mae and Dennis Banks: "The motherf---er was begging for his life but I shot him anyway." Ka-Mook's sister, Bernie Lafferty, also present when Peltier confessed, independently corroborated Ka-Mook's sworn testimony.

Peltier's supporters often cite his conviction of aiding and abetting the FBI murders as justification for parole. But his 1993 parole board concluded otherwise:

“Although the above evidence is consistent with your having, while at the scene of the murders, aided and abetted the use of the above-mentioned AR-15 rifle by another individual to execute the agents, the Commission is persuaded that the greater probability is that you yourself fired the fatal shots… It would be unjust to treat the slaying of these F.B.I. agents, while they lay wounded and helpless, as if your actions had been part of a gun battle. Neither the state of relations between Native American militants and law enforcement at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation prior to June 26, 1975, nor the exchanges of gunfire between individuals at the Jumping Bull Compound and the law enforcement agents who arrived there during the hours after Agents Coler and Williams were murdered, explains or mitigates the crimes you committed… Your release on parole would promote disrespect for the law in contravention of 18 U.S.C….” 

Jack Coler, 1947-1975       Ron Williams, 1947-1975

The evidence shows that Peltier, a wanted fugitive at the time, opened fire on the agents because he apparently believed they were there to arrest him. In fact, Agents Coler and Williams were looking for another suspect from a different case. Peltier has consistently lied about his actions that day. When confronted by statements from other witnesses, he simply changes his story. Peltier's defense has always relied on folklore, urban myths, and outright lies that shamelessly exploit the legitimate struggle for Indian rights. The legal record, as well as statements from his former lawyers, reveal a man full of contempt for his fellow Natives. 

Rather than show remorse, Peltier flaunts his Indian ancestry and makes a mockery of true Indian history and spirituality. He revels in comparisons to authentic Indian warriors such as Chief Crazy Horse, while pretending to care about Indian people conned into supporting his murderous legacy. Inmate Peltier has ensnared Hollywood celebrities, politicians, and world leaders with a story of government oppression behind his double-murder conviction. The scam has worked well; in the ultimate example of perversity, Peltier has received Nobel Peace Prize nominations and human rights awards. His tattered tale of being the victim survives on far-left web sites and on the state-funded Russian television channel, RT. Peltier's latest ploy appeals to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, citing a massive conspiracy to deny him his human rights. Peltier's followers never mention how he deprived two young men of their human rights. On the contrary, they have begun a relentless campaign to pressure President Obama into granting inmate Peltier Executive Clemency.

It is time to put an end to the charade. Join the fight against inmate Peltier's assault on common decency and true human rights. Help us expose him for the sociopathic murderer and manipulator that he is. Help us restore honor and dignity to the Indian heroes he has besmirched, and oppose efforts to grant inmate Peltier his freedom. For more information about Leonard Peltier and the true history of the American Indian Movement, see www.americanindianmafia.com. Respect the truth, honor the fallen, expose the guilty!  

                                Inmate Leonard Peltier: still defiant, still guilty.  

I agree. Inmate Peltier does not deserve freedom. Not only does he refuse to accept responsibility for his crimes, he demeans true Indian suffering by diverting donations from worthy Indian causes to his self-glorifying defense fund. He continually denigrates genuine Indian heroes by comparing himself to them and by encouraging others to do the same. Inmate Peltier exploits a manufactured persona of "political prisoner" to the detriment of all Native Americans. He remains defiant, manipulative, and very guilty. As long as he refuses to admit his guilt and refuses to ask for forgiveness from his victims' families, I will oppose all efforts to grant inmate Peltier his freedom.