Leonard Peltier, ailing at 79 and serving two life sentences for the 1975 murder of two FBI agents, was denied parole again, with a new hearing set for 2026.

The decision by the federal Parole Commission to deny Leonard Peltier's parole request underscores the lasting controversy and opposition surrounding his case. Despite his deteriorating health and support from prominent political figures, the FBI and its agents' association have maintained their strong resistance to his release, citing the gravity of his crimes and his perceived lack of remorse. Peltier's supporters argue that his trial was marred by prosecutorial misconduct, but with his next hearing set for 2026 and a history of denied clemency requests, advocates fear he may not live to see another opportunity for freedom.

Leonard Peltier's parole hearing was held on June 10, marking what his lawyer, Kevin Sharp, described as 'probably his last chance' to argue for parole. Peltier, now 79 years old, is in poor health, suffering from multiple ailments including diabetes, hypertension, partial blindness from a stroke, and bouts of COVID-19. His last full parole hearing was 15 years ago, which adds to the urgency of his current situation.

Peltier has been incarcerated for nearly five decades after being convicted for the fatal shootings of FBI agents Jack Coler and Ron Williams. The incident, which took place on June 26, 1975, followed a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Over the years, prominent political figures, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, as well as Obama-era Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, have voiced their support for his release.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) are among the staunchest opponents to Peltier's release. FBI Director Christopher Wray has emphasized that Peltier has never expressed remorse for the murders, insisting that he intentionally killed the FBI agents. Natalie Bara, president of the FBI Agents Association, also highlighted Peltier's lack of remorse as a significant factor in their continued opposition.

Peltier's supporters have long argued that his trial was plagued by prosecutorial misconduct and questionable evidence. His conviction has withstood numerous appeals and even reached the U.S. Supreme Court twice. Despite these efforts, both Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama denied his clemency requests. Given the history and complexities of his legal battles, his supporters are increasingly concerned that he may not survive until the 2026 parole hearing.

In addition to the core charges, Peltier's criminal record includes a post-conviction escape from federal custody, during which he and his crew fired shots at prison employees. This incident only added to the complexity and severity of his case, making it more challenging for his advocates to garner widespread support for his release.

Peltier was originally extradited from Canada to the United States to face trial for the Pine Ridge shootout. This international dimension of his arrest added to the high-profile nature of the case, attracting significant media and public attention over the years. Throughout his incarceration, Peltier has maintained that he did not kill the FBI agents, a stance that has fueled ongoing debates among his supporters and detractors.

The strong opposition from law enforcement officials, combined with the circumstances of the crime, has rendered Peltier's requests for parole and presidential clemency as long shots. Despite facing numerous legal hurdles, his case remains a focal point of discussions around justice and judicial conduct in high-stakes criminal cases.

With Peltier's health rapidly declining, his lawyer and supporters are pushing for urgent action to ensure that he does not die in prison. His advanced age and medical conditions have added a humanitarian angle to the calls for his release, which many advocates argue is long overdue.

As the debate continues, Peltier's next parole hearing in 2026 will be critical. It may represent one of the last opportunities for his supporters to secure his release. Whether the claims of prosecutorial misconduct can be revisited or whether new evidence might emerge remain open questions. What is clear is that Leonard Peltier's case will continue to be a matter of intense public interest and legal scrutiny.