Jack Gilroy’s wife and daughters outside courthouse after he was sentenced to 3 months in jail
from Upstate Drone Action
Jack Gilroy, 79, of Endwell, New York was sentenced on October 1 to three months incarceration, three years probation, and $1,000 fine by DeWitt Town Court Judge Robert Jokl. He was taken into custody immediately.
“It’s time for our justice system to identify the real criminals… not those who carry the message to stop the killing to the gates of Hancock Air Base,” said Gilroy in his sentencing statement. Gilroy was convicted by a six-person jury on July 15th of trespass and obstructing government administration after two day’s of trial.
Gilroy’s trial was based on participation in a solemn funeral procession and die-in to illustrate the death and destruction of innocent people by drone missiles and bombs piloted from Hancock 174th Attack Wing. Hancock is one of many drone bases coordinating U.S. drone attacks in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
“I was proud of the way Jack spoke truth to power, stood for nonviolence instead of war, and brought the reality and names of victims of drones into the court,” said Fr. Tim Taugher, long time friend of Gilroy’s and pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Binghamton. “Our courts can’t allow the truth to be heard. This is one of many ways our country is trying to squelch truth, debate, dialogue, and discussion of the morality of the use of drones.”
Gilroy is a retired school teacher, and member of Veterans for Peace.
On Sunday, Oct. 5 at 1 pm, the Upstate Drone Action will be hosting permitted street theatre. Bicyclists against drone warfare, artists, teachers, medical people, union activists and others against drone warfare will converge at Hancock Airbase as part of the world wide protests of the Global Days of Action.
Donations for Jack Gilroy’s fines and appeal can be sent to the:
Syracuse Peace Council
2013 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13210.
Please note in memo: For Jack Gilroy’s fine and appeal fund