The person at the center of this case
Port Authority Police Officer (assault victim); Donna Joan Borup (fugitive)
Cold Case · Open - Fugitive at Large
44 years waiting · since 1981
DONNA JOAN BORUP
Justice for Port Authority Police Officer (assault victim); Donna Joan Borup (fugitive) — the trail went cold in 1981, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What circumstances led Borup to flee, and has she maintained contact with known associates or family members?
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location
Lead #2Given her known ties to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Canada, which region is most likely to harbor her after 40+ years?
👤
person
Lead #3With reported photographic memory and high intelligence, has Borup successfully evaded detection by assuming a new identity?
On September 26, 1981, Donna Joan Borup allegedly threw a caustic substance into the eyes of a Port Authority Police Officer during a violent anti-apartheid demonstration at JFK International Airport in Queens, New York, partially blinding him. After her arrest and release on bail, Borup failed to appear for trial in May 1982 and has remained a fugitive for over four decades. Despite ties to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Canada, her whereabouts remain unknown, and the FBI continues to seek information leading to her capture.
Case
#682
FBI - Eastern District of New York; Queens County District Attorney
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4Are there any recent sightings or credible leads from the communities where she has historical connections?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - Riot, Assault on a Police Officer Caution: Donna Joan Borup is wanted for her alleged participation in a violent anti-apartheid demonstration at JFK International Airport in Queens, New York, on September 26, 1981. During the riot, Borup allegedly tossed a caustic substance into the eyes of a Port Authority Police Officer, leaving him partially blind.
At the time, Borup was a member of the May 19th Communist Organization, a Marxist-Leninist organization which advocated the armed revolution and violent overthrow of the United States Government. Borup, along with some accomplices, was arrested and released on bail pending trial in May of 1982.
On May 20, 1982, an arrest warrant was issued for Borup after she failed to appear for her trial on a Queens County indictment which charged her with riot in the first degree and assault in the first degree. On September 14, 1982, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Borup in the Eastern District of New York and she was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Remarks: Borup has ties to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Canada. Borup is thought to have a photographic memory and is highly intelligent.
Timeline of Events
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1981-09-26
Anti-apartheid demonstration and assault
Donna Joan Borup allegedly threw caustic substance into Port Authority Police Officer's eyes during violent riot at JFK International Airport, partially blinding him.
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1982-05
Arrest and bail release
Borup was arrested and released on bail pending trial on charges of riot in the first degree and assault in the first degree.
🕵️
1982-05-20
Failure to appear and arrest warrant
An arrest warrant was issued after Borup failed to appear for her trial on Queens County indictment.
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1982-09-14
Federal arrest warrant issued
Federal arrest warrant issued in Eastern District of New York for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 26, 1981
Last Updated:September 11, 2026
Up to $100,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:September 26, 1981
Last Updated:September 11, 2026
Up to $100,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case