Family, Friends of Leonard Peltier welcome him home

BELCOURT, N.D. — “Everybody was against him, but he survived, and he’s coming home.”

On the eastern edge of the Turtle Mountain Reservation, the temps may have been cold,

“I cried. Its everything I ever hoped for, to be able to see my grandfather, and let him be able to see my children who are standing here ith us, outside of bars.”

But the atmosphere was elated, as friends and Family awaited the homecoming of Leonard Peltier.

Peltier was convicted in the killing of two FBI agents in a standoff on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, a crime for which he has always maintained his innocence.

“He must be really happy you know. He’s free now, and no longer a prisoner.”

And after President Biden commuted his sentence,

“Best way i could describe it is my heart was filled with happiness and joy.”

He’s finally back home with his family, a free man.

“I cried I was so happy, and didn’t get disappointed, like “is something going to happen? Is it real?”

It has been a long road, With support coming from around the world,

“It was unbelievable.  All these people were here for Leonard, and for him to drive by with all of these people cheering him on.”

But for some the work isn’t done.

“To give him total freedom, that’s what is important.”

The family says that Leonard is looking forward to enjoying his time with his family and friends.