Abner Louima says he forgives ex-NYPD cop Justin Volpe — but will never forget
Abner Louima, who gained national attention in 1997 for being a victim of police brutality in New York City, has spoken out in forgiveness of his attacker, former NYPD officer Justin Volpe. Louima, who was sodomized with a broomstick by Volpe, expressed his forgiveness as a Christian, but also emphasized the lasting trauma of the attack. “My life has changed in the worst imaginable way,” Louima said. “Of course I still think about my attack. I think about it most of the time. I still suffer emotionally.” Louima received a settlement of nearly $9 million after he sued the city in the wake of the attack.
Volpe, who served 24 years in prison for his crime, was recently released from federal prison after being granted early release under the First Step Act. While Louima expressed forgiveness for Volpe, he also stated that the trauma of the attack will be with him for life. “I will live with the pain for the rest of my life. I will suffer for the rest of my life,” he said.
In response to Volpe’s release, Louima remained mostly neutral, stating that he did not feel much about it. “If the justice system wants to release him, they will. Let it be. I don’t have nothing against anyone. I know he did bad and spent some time thinking about what he did.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What happened to Abner Louima in 1997?
Abner Louima was the victim of police brutality in 1997 when he was sodomized with a broomstick by NYPD officer Justin Volpe in a Brooklyn precinct.
What happened to Justin Volpe?
Justin Volpe was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for the attack on Abner Louima, and he served 24 years before being granted early release under the First Step Act.
Has Abner Louima forgiven Justin Volpe?
Yes, Abner Louima has expressed forgiveness for his attacker, stating that he is a Christian. However, he also emphasized the lasting trauma of the attack.
What did Abner Louima receive in settlement after suing the city?
Abner Louima received nearly $9 million in settlement after he sued the city in the wake of the attack.
Abner Louima Declares Forgiveness for Ex-NYPD Cop Justin Volpe but Vows to Remember.
Abner Louima, the victim of a 1997 attack by ex-NYPD cop Justin Volpe that shocked the nation, has stated that he has forgiven his attacker but will never forget what happened. Louima, now 56 and a Christian, said that forgiving is essential, but his life has changed in the worst possible way. Louima added that he still thinks about the attack most of the time and suffers emotionally, and he believes he will live with the pain for the rest of his life. In response to Volpe’s early release from federal prison after 24 years behind bars, Louima responded that he felt nothing. Volpe, now 51, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sodomizing Louima, an immigrant from Haiti who was attacked after a bogus arrest. Louima eventually sued New York City, which settled for nearly $9 million. Despite forgiving Volpe, Louima believes that Volpe still needs to repent for his crime. Louima spends most of his time in Florida with his four children and two grandchildren, the latter of which he calls his life.