BROCKPORT, N.Y. — A protest was held this weekend over an upcoming scheduled speaking event hosted by SUNY Brockport.

Jalil Muntaqim, formerly known as Anthony Bottom, was convicted in the 1971 killing of two NYPD officers. He is scheduled to speak virtually to students Wednesday, April 6.

What You Need To Know

  • Protests continue over an upcoming scheduled speaking event hosted by SUNY Brockport

  • Jalil Muntaqim, formerly known as Anthony Bottom is scheduled to speak to students Wednesday

  • He was convicted in the 1971 killing of two NYPD officers

  • Saturday’s protest was organized by State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt

Dozens gathered on Saturday at the Brockport Area Veterans Club to protest the speaking appearance. 

Cherie Stuhler grew up in Brockport and is a SUNY Brockport alum. She was among those protesting Saturday.

“I'm ashamed to say I got a degree from there,” Stuhler said. “And [I’m] ashamed it’s a degree in history.”

Muntaqim spent nearly 50 years in prison before being released in September 2020.

“It needs to be canceled, completely,” Stuhler said of the event. “They need to put out an apology and own their mistake.”

The college has already seen widespread backlash from local and state officials over the event. The program was initially going to be held in person, but was moved to a virtual setting on March 23.

Saturday’s protest was organized by State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt.

“This is why we’re here,” Ortt said. “They want to give a voice to Anthony Bottom, [a] two-time cop killer. You’re giving a voice to Officer Piagentini and Officer Waverly Jones."

Muntaqim was initially categorized by SUNY Brockport as a "political prisoner,” something Ortt and the other political leaders at the event took issue with.

“He has never apologized,” Ortt said of Bottom Muntaqim. “He views himself as a political prisoner. The college told me that. We got this description from him.”

Spectrum News 1 has reached out to SUNY Brockport for comment about Senator Ortt’s rally but has not yet heard back.

Last month, SUNY Brockport released a statement saying in part:

"We do not support the violence exhibited in Mr. Muntaqim’s previous crimes, and his presence on campus does not imply endorsement of his views or past actions. However, we believe in freedom of speech.

SUNY Brockport has routinely held speaking events involving controversial speakers from various backgrounds and viewpoints and will continue to do so. These conversations are uncomfortable. They are meant to be. They're about gaining a new perspective."