President Joe Biden announced the commutation of 37 federal death row sentences to life imprisonment without parole. This historic decision significantly reduces the federal death row population, leaving only three individuals awaiting execution due to their involvement in terrorism and hate-motivated mass murders.
Biden’s Landmark Move Against Capital Punishment
In his statement, President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to ending the federal death penalty, a campaign promise he made in 2020. The commutations align with the moratorium on federal executions imposed by his administration, highlighting his stance on racial justice and due process.
“These commutations reflect my belief that the federal death penalty system is flawed, often racially biased, and incompatible with our values as a nation,” Biden stated.
Notable Exceptions
Biden chose not to commute the sentences of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (Boston Marathon bombing), Dylann Roof (Charleston church shooting), and Robert Bowers (Tree of Life Synagogue shooting), citing their crimes as acts of terrorism and hate-driven violence.
Advocates Applaud the Decision
Organizations like the ACLU and over 130 civil and human rights groups urged Biden to address systemic issues within the death penalty framework. Delaware Senator Chris Coons emphasized the need for careful, case-by-case reviews to ensure fairness and justice.
Federal Death Penalty Debate Amid Trump’s Return
The decision comes as President-elect Donald Trump signals plans to revive and expand federal executions. During his campaign, Trump proposed using the death penalty for drug dealers, human traffickers, and certain violent criminals. His first administration saw the execution of 13 individuals in its final months after a 17-year pause.
Federal vs. State Death Sentences
While Biden’s actions impact federal cases, over 2,000 people remain on death row in state courts across the U.S., beyond the president’s jurisdiction. Advocates worry that Trump’s return could reignite a surge in federal executions.
Broader Clemency Actions
Biden’s announcement follows his recent record-breaking clemency act, granting relief to approximately 1,500 individuals. This continues his administration’s efforts to address systemic injustices in the criminal justice system.
A Step Toward Abolishing Capital Punishment
This significant move reinforces Biden’s opposition to capital punishment and sets the stage for ongoing debates about the death penalty's role in America’s justice system.
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