Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Gregory Foster and Patrolman Rocco Laurie were assassinated by members of the Black Liberation Army while walking their patrol beat on Avenue B and East 11th Street in the 9th Precinct. As they were walking down the street, three or four suspects walked past them, spun around, and opened fire, shooting them in their backs. After the patrolmen fell, the killers took their handguns and shot them several more times. On Feb. 14, 1972, one of two suspects was shot and killed in a gun battle with police in St. Louis, Missouri. The other suspect, arrested at the scene, had Officer Laurie's service revolver in his possession. He was returned to New York and charged with two counts of murder. He was acquitted in 1973. He was returned to Missouri, where he was sentenced to 25 years in prison for convictions from the St. Louis incident. A third suspect was captured in New Orleans in 1973. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of Patrolman Waverly Jones and Patrolman Joseph A. Piagentiai of the New York City Police Department on May 21, 1971. Patrolman Foster had served with the New York City Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife, two children, parents, and five siblings. His grandson became an officer with the NYPD. Officer Foster and Officer Laurie served in the U.S. Marine Corps together and were Vietnam combat veterans. When they joined the New York City Police Department, they requested to be assigned to the same Precinct. The Black Liberation Army was a violent, radical group that attempted to fight for independence from the United States government in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The BLA was responsible for the murders of more than 10 police officers and the wounding of many more law enforcement officers. Please click here to visit all the law enforcement officers who have died as a result of the Black Liberation Army's violent activism.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two children, parents, and five siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-2D261F9E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Foster gave the New York City Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the New York community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Gregory Philip Foster served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Gregory Philip Foster is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New York City Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gregory Philip Foster's cause is highlighted.
How Gregory Philip Foster Compares
Offender Outcome
One later shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gregory Philip Foster is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gregory Philip Foster was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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