© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

State Senator Defends Tweet, Calls For Death Penalty for Cop Killers

Courtesy of the Office of NYS Senator Greg Ball

Following the Boston Marathon bombings, a New York state Senator is renewing his call for the death penalty. He also says he’s not opposed to torture, under certain circumstances, and is standing by a tweet that made national headlines.

Following the capture of Boston Marathon bomber suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Republican state Senator from the Hudson Valley Greg Ball tweeted Friday night, quote “So, scumbag #2 in custody. Who wouldn’t use torture on this punk to save more lives?”

The Twitter statement drew much attention and criticism, but the outspoken Ball says he stands by his terror tweet.

He is also renewing his call for reinstating the death penalty in New York, citing his legislation that would use the death penalty in cases involving the intentional murder of a police office, peace officer, or employee of the Department of Correctional Services. A similar bill is also being considered in Massachusetts. Ball cites the recent killing of the MIT patrol officer during the Boston manhunt as a reason to include peace officers and other law enforcement.

But Jim Murphy disagrees with responding to killing with more killing.

He’s the new executive director of New Yorkers Against the Death Penalty.

Freshman State Senator Terry Gipson, a Democrat, says he prefers to stick with current law.

Senator Ball points to another state Senator’s call this year to reinstate the death penalty. Republican Senator Martin Golden, of Brooklyn, issued a call in January for the death penalty for cop killers. Golden’s renewed call came after the shooting of three NYPD officers within a one-hour period.

Related Content