Joseph P. Kennedy II – the oldest son of Robert and Ethel Kennedy – issued a strongly-worded statement late Sunday condemning possible parole for the man convicted of killing his father during an ill-fated 1968 campaign for president.
The former Massachusetts congressman's rebuttal comes days after Sirhan Sirhan's parole was recommended by a California panel.
"Two commissioners of the 18-member California Parole Board made a grievous error last Friday in recommending the release of the man who murdered my father," Kennedy said in a statement to The Boston Globe. "I understand that there are differing views about ending the sentence of this killer, including within my own family. But emotions and opinions do not change facts or history."
Two of Kennedy’s nine living children, Douglas Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., voiced support for the 77-year-old’s release. The former senator had 11 kids. Six of Kennedy’s children have condemned Sirhan's possible release, including Joseph P. Kennedy II.
Sirhan was convicted of shooting Kennedy on June 5, 1968 at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles as he walked through the hotel's pantry after a speech. He had just won the California Democratic primary and was the frontrunner to secure the party's presidential nod.
"The man was tried, convicted and sentenced to death," Kennedy said. "Yet he now may walk free, no doubt to the cheers of those who share his views. Let there be no mistake, the prisoner’s release will be celebrated by those who believe that political disagreements can be solved by a gun."
Sirhan, who had previously been denied parole 15 times, is serving a life sentence.
The state parole commission has 90 days to review the decision before it ultimately goes to Gov. Gavin Newsom for approval.
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