In a highly debated case, Leonard Peltier, a native activist who was convicted of killing FBI Special Agents Jack R. Coler and Ronald A. Williams in a 1975 shootout, is preparing for what could be his final parole hearing on Monday. Peltier, now 79 years old, has garnered support from left-wing advocates and a few Democratic lawmakers, but faces strong opposition from the FBI Agents Association, who are urging the federal Parole Commission to deny his release.

Currently held at a federal penitentiary in Sumterville, Florida, Peltier is serving two consecutive life sentences for the murders of the two agents, along with an additional seven years for an attempted escape. The incident occurred on June 26, 1975, when Williams and Coler were investigating armed robbery suspects in the Oglala Sioux Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Although Peltier was not among the robbery suspects, he was traveling in a vehicle that caught the agents' attention.

According to court documents, Williams alerted Coler via radio that someone in the vehicle was about to open fire. Gunfire ensued, wounding both agents. Peltier then approached the agents and shot them point-blank in the head with a rifle before fleeing to Canada. He was later captured and extradited to the United States to face justice.

The FBI Agents Association vehemently opposes Peltier's release, emphasizing the lasting impact of his actions. Natalie Bara, the president of the association, highlighted that Peltier's release would send a negative message to both FBI agents risking their lives and potential perpetrators of harm against law enforcement officers. FBI Director Christopher Wray also expressed the agency's strong opposition to Peltier's parole, stating that he has never shown remorse for his ruthless and intentional murder of the two agents.

Peltier's supporters argue that his initial 1977 conviction was based on flawed evidence and prosecutorial misconduct. Despite numerous appeals, including two that reached the Supreme Court, his conviction has not been overturned. However, a group of senators, including Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Mazie Hirono, wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland in March, requesting a "compassionate release" for Peltier. Notably, the agents' names were not mentioned in their letter.

Former FBI Agents Association president Brian O'Hare submitted a letter of his own to Garland, urging denial of Peltier's clemency request. O'Hare emphasized that honoring the sacrifice of Agents Coler and Williams is of paramount importance and that Peltier should serve his full sentence for his heinous crimes. O'Hare also pointed out that Peltier continued to support violence against law enforcement even after his conviction.

As Peltier's parole hearing approaches, the controversy surrounding his case continues to stir up emotions on both sides. The decision by the federal Parole Commission will have significant implications for not only Peltier's fate but also for the families of the slain agents, the FBI community, and the ongoing debate surrounding justice and indigenous rights.