As of today, July 19th, 2024, Leonard Peltier has recently been hospitalized three times for an ulcerated toe, a complication arising from diabetes. One hospitalization lasted four days.

At his parole hearing, Mr. Peltier’s parole examiner himself strongly suggested that Leonard Peltier be evaluated for a medical transfer.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has deprived Leonard of necessary medical care for decades and in doing so has sentenced Leonard to ‘Death by Incarceration’. Locked down for 22 hours a day in maximum security prison USP Coleman I, Leonard, who is almost 80 years old, suffers from multiple severe health conditions.

Leonard’s current conditions include kidney disease, heart condition, diabetes, high blood pressure, bone spurs, a degenerative joint disease, and painful injuries to his jaw - all of which require immediate and ongoing medical care.

Leonard is in constant pain from arthritis in his hip and shoulder, has an enlarged prostate, and an aortic aneurysm. Leonard uses a walker and has only a few infected teeth left, presenting not only pain but also a choking hazard. This dangerous cocktail of neglect puts Leonard in serious risk of harm and amounts to Death by Incarceration.

BOP personnel informed Leonard that he will need to wait at least 8-10 months to see an eye specialist. This is unacceptable. 

Our physician expert believes that not only is the BOP failing to address Leonard’s medical care properly but cannot meet Leonard’s medical needs at USP Coleman I. Our Legal team is working to ensure Leonard receives health care as required by the 8th Amendment and is transferred to an appropriate facility pending his release.

We do not want our vulnerable Elder to be in pain and go without proper care, and we don’t want him to die in prison! We need you to stand united with us for Leonard. Act now. Enough is enough. 

We must pressure the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold the BOP accountable. We are asking that Leonard Peltier be given an emergency medical transfer to the Federal Medical Center in Rochester.

The Senate Judiciary Committee was established to provide meaningful oversight to the BOP and FBI under the Department of Justice. The standard of care that Leonard Peltier lives under is unacceptable on any level. It is up to the Judiciary Committee to ensure that Leonard is transferred to a facility that will provide him with appropriate medical care.

Law enforcement acting outside the law is called tyranny.