Far-left billionaire George Soros has funneled more than $7 million into organizations backing controversial New York parole legislation that critics warn could eventually lead to the release of some of the state’s most infamous killers, including “Son of Sam” murderer David Berkowitz.
According to records from Soros’ Open Society Foundations, at least $7.1 million since 2016 went to eight organizations connected to a coalition known as “The People’s Campaign for Parole Justice,” a lobbying effort pushing two major parole reform bills through the New York Legislature.
The coalition argues the legislation is needed to address what it describes as harsh sentencing laws and racial inequities within New York’s prison system. Critics, however, say the bills would dangerously weaken parole standards and potentially allow violent offenders and convicted murderers to seek release much earlier than under current law.
One proposal, known as the Elder Parole bill, would allow inmates who are at least 55 years old and have served 15 years of their sentence to become eligible for parole hearings regardless of the severity of their crimes.
The second proposal, called the Fair and Timely Parole bill, would require parole boards to focus primarily on whether an inmate currently poses a threat to public safety rather than heavily weighing the nature of the original crime.
Supporters say the reforms would recognize rehabilitation and reduce excessive incarceration. Opponents say the measures effectively open the door for notorious killers to walk free.
Berkowitz, who terrorized New York City during his infamous 1976-77 murder spree that left six people dead, is currently 72 years old and serving 25 years to life at Shawangunk Correctional Facility. He has already been denied parole 12 times.
Under the proposed legislation, critics fear offenders like Berkowitz, Mark David Chapman and convicted cop-killer David McClary could have stronger opportunities to secure release.
The funding trail does not show Soros directly donating to the parole campaign itself, but millions flowed into member organizations tied to the coalition.
Among the recipients were: FWD.us, which reportedly received $3.2 million, VOCAL New York, which received $1.7 million, and the Legal Aid Society, which received roughly $1.6 million.
The debate has sparked outrage among victims and law enforcement advocates.
Jason Savino, whose mother survived being shot by Berkowitz in 1976, blasted Soros for supporting organizations pushing the legislation.
“He is protected from what goes on in the street, and he uses his immense wealth — instead of for the betterment of society — to victimize everybody else,” Savino said.
His mother, Wendy Savino, who still suffers medical complications from the attack decades later, said she is “utterly appalled” lawmakers are even considering the measures.
“Personally, I am terrified at the prospect of the Son of Sam walking the streets once more,” she said.
The legislation has reportedly gained momentum in the New York Senate but still faces resistance in the Assembly, as the New York Post reported.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has repeatedly declined to say whether she would veto the bills if they reach her desk.
The growing controversy also highlights the broader national debate over Soros-backed criminal justice reform efforts. Soros and affiliated organizations have spent tens of millions supporting progressive prosecutors, sentencing reforms and policies aimed at reducing prison populations across the country.
Critics argue those policies have contributed to rising crime and weakened public safety, while supporters insist they are necessary to combat mass incarceration and racial disparities in the justice system.
