Flags To Fly Half-Staff On 50th Death Anniversary Of NJ Trooper Killed In East Brunswick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — On May 2, 1973, State Trooper, Werner Foerster was shot and killed on the NJ Turnpike in the East Brunswick area.

On the 50th anniversary of his death, Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered all U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff at state buildings and facilities.

“As veteran of the Vietnam War and a State Trooper, Werner Foerster served our state and our country with honorable devotion, remarkable courage, exceptional professionalism, loyalty, and commitment to the finest ideals and traditions of the United States Army and the New Jersey State Police,” Murphy said in a statement.

“On the 50th anniversary of his passing, we remember Trooper Foerster for his service and sacrifice as he dedicated his life to protecting our nation’s freedoms and keeping our communities safe. Fifty years later, we continue to mourn this tragic and untimely loss, and extend our sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and fellow members of the New Jersey State Police.”

About midnight on May 2, 1973, Sundiata Acoli, born Clark Edward Squire, along with Joanne Chesimard (now known as Assata Shakur) and Zayd Malik Shakur were driving on the Turnpike in the East Brunswick area, when they were pulled over for a broken tail light by Trooper James Harper. All three were armed. More: Ex-Black Panther Who Killed NJ Trooper Freed From Jail Wednesday

Harper called Foerster for backup after discovering Acoli had a gun, according to reports. A gun battle ensued that left Harper wounded and Foerster and Malik Shakur dead.

Details of the shooting have been debated, with police saying Acoli fired first, he has maintained that he was shot, lost consciousness and does not remember what happened that night.

Acoli, a former Black Panther and Black Liberation Army activist, was convicted of murdering Foerster.

In May last year, Acoli was released from prison after nearly 50 years.

The court ruled 3-2 to reverse the state parole board's decision to deny Acoli parole. The majority opinion said the state's parole board failed to show that Acoli, 85, would commit another crime after release.

At the time, Murphy and Acting AG Matthew Platkin released statements saying they were disappointed with the court's ruling.

Foerster is buried in Washington Monumental Cemetery, South River.

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