President Joe Biden reduced the sentences of 37 out of 40 individuals on federal death row to life in prison without parole, sparing them from execution. He made this decision shortly before passing leadership to President-elect Donald Trump, who later executed five federal prisoners in the final days of his first term.
Biden did not pardon these individuals but commuted their death sentences as part of his long-standing opposition to the death penalty... Continue reading here ▶
“I’ve dedicated my career to reducing violent crime and ensuring a fair and effective justice system,” the 82-year-old president said in a statement on December 23.
“Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable loss,” Biden continued. “But guided by my conscience and my experience, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level.”
Exceptions to Commutations
Despite his opposition to the death penalty, Biden left three individuals on federal death row:
- Dylann Roof, who killed nine Black churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015.
- Robert Bowers, who killed 11 Jewish worshippers at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue in 2018.
- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who killed three people and injured 264 in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
When asked why these three were excluded, an administration official explained: “The remaining individuals were convicted for hate-motivated mass murder or acts of terrorism. That is the distinction.”
Federal Executions Suspended
Since taking office in 2021, Biden has temporarily halted federal executions. His decision to commute these sentences ensures that future administrations cannot carry out executions that go against current policy.
Praise for Biden’s Actions
Bryan Stevenson, director of the Equal Justice Initiative and author of Just Mercy, praised Biden’s decision, calling it “historic.” He expressed hope that state leaders would follow Biden’s lead to promote fairness and compassion in the justice system.
Boston-area Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley also applauded the move. “There is no action more powerful or righteous than sparing someone’s life,” she said. “This historic act of compassion will save lives, address deep racial disparities in our criminal legal system, and send a powerful message about redemption and humanity.”
Additional Clemency Actions
On December 12, Biden announced clemency for nearly 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and have shown successful rehabilitation. He also pardoned 39 people convicted of non-violent crimes.
In a groundbreaking decision, Biden became the first president to issue broad pardons for individuals convicted of simple marijuana use and possession and for former LGBTQ+ service members who were convicted based on their sexual orientation.
Biden has long campaigned for criminal justice reform. In 2020, he pledged to push legislation to abolish the federal death penalty and encourage states to do the same.
