Biden Commutes Sentences of 37 Death Row Inmates

Clear Facts

• President Biden is commuting the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, reclassifying them to life without parole.
• The decision excludes three inmates involved in high-profile mass murders and terrorism acts.
• Biden’s clemency actions have sparked mixed reactions and are unprecedented in modern presidential history.

In a significant move, President Biden has decided to commute the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, effectively changing their sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This decision comes shortly after Biden’s previous record-breaking clemency actions, marking a notable moment in his presidency.

The president’s decision excludes three individuals who have been convicted of some of the most heinous crimes in recent history. These individuals include Robert Bowers, responsible for the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting; Dylann Roof, who killed nine people in a Charleston church in 2015; and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, involved in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Biden’s stance on the death penalty has been clear, as he supports its use only in cases of “terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.” He stated that this move aims to prevent the incoming administration from carrying out executions that would not align with current policies.

The list of inmates whose sentences have been commuted includes individuals convicted of various serious crimes, including murders of law enforcement officers, children, and other inmates. Among them are Marcivicci Barnette, who committed murder during a carjacking, and Thomas Sanders, who kidnapped and killed a young girl.

Additionally, Biden’s decision has been met with both praise and criticism. Former corrections officials have expressed support, with Justin Jones, former Director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, stating that the decision will benefit federal correctional staff by reallocating resources more effectively.

Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, also praised the decision, calling it an “important turning point” and emphasizing that it sends a “strong message” against the death penalty as a solution for public safety concerns.

Despite the commutations, Biden has expressed his condemnation of the crimes committed by these individuals and acknowledged the pain and loss experienced by the victims’ families. He emphasized his commitment to using the remainder of his presidency to provide “meaningful second chances” and to consider additional pardons and commutations.

The president’s actions in granting clemency have been unprecedented, with the White House noting that he has issued more commutations at this point in his presidency than any recent predecessors. As Biden approaches the end of his term, his decisions continue to shape the conversation around the death penalty and criminal justice reform in the United States.

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