Politics
Criminals Walk Free as Biden Issues Final Clemency Orders

Clear Facts
- President Joe Biden granted clemency to 2,500 individuals, including those convicted of illegal firearm possession and two men involved in the death of a police officer.
- Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares criticized Biden’s decision, particularly the release of Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardson, who were implicated in the death of Officer Allen Gibson.
- Biden’s clemency actions also included individuals convicted of drug-related offenses, with a focus on addressing sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine.
In a controversial move, President Joe Biden has decided to grant clemency to 2,500 individuals, a decision that has sparked outrage due to the inclusion of dangerous criminals and a cop killer. Among those released are individuals convicted of illegal firearm possession and two men whose actions resulted in the death of a police officer.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares did not hold back in his criticism of Biden’s decision to pardon Ferrone Claiborne and Terence Richardson. These men were involved in the 1998 incident that led to the death of Officer Allen Gibson. Miyares stated, “Joe Biden should be ashamed, but we know that he probably doesn’t even know what he signed.”
The family of Officer Gibson has expressed deep disappointment in the Biden administration’s decision. Crissana Gibson, the officer’s daughter, voiced her heartbreak, saying, “My heart is shattered knowing that the men that killed my father are going to be released from prison and can walk the streets freely.”
This decision comes despite the fact that former President Barack Obama had previously declined to grant clemency to Claiborne and Richardson. The Virginia Attorney General’s office has been steadfast in its efforts to keep these individuals incarcerated, with Crissana Gibson expressing gratitude for their dedication.
In addition to Claiborne and Richardson, Biden’s clemency list includes individuals convicted of drug-related offenses. Ramelus D. Bradley, convicted for selling cocaine and illegal firearm possession, was among those granted clemency. His case was notable for the dangerous circumstances of his arrest, where firearms were found in close proximity to an infant.
Demarcus Rakestraw and Stokley Austin, both convicted for drug distribution and firearm possession, also benefited from Biden’s clemency. Austin’s request for compassionate release had been denied just last week by the Fifth Circuit.
Biden defended his decision by emphasizing the need to address sentencing disparities, particularly those between crack and powder cocaine. He stated, “Today’s clemency action provides relief for individuals who received lengthy sentences based on discredited distinctions between crack and powder cocaine.”
The White House has yet to respond to requests for comment on this contentious decision.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Ronald Goble
January 21, 2025 at 10:56 am
Funny that you should mention Biden but nary a word about Trump pardoning 1500 individuals who tried to overthrow the government and were responsible for the deaths of police officers defending the United States.
JEFF JONES
January 21, 2025 at 3:15 pm
that’s because the 1500 were NOT “individuals who tried to overthrow the government and were responsible for the deaths of police officers defending the United States.”
Ronald Goble
January 21, 2025 at 6:55 pm
You are right, Jeff, it was not 1500 individuals, rather a mob of more than 1500. And from the television channel I was watching, I saw no picnic mic baskets in the mob, nor did I see anyone quietly turn away when asked by security while breaking down doors and raging through hallways.
Beverly Soltwedel
January 21, 2025 at 2:38 pm
Biden and his stupidity are gone. Thankfully!! He was a disastrously dishonest person and everyone associated with him is was so dishonest.
James H Roberts
January 21, 2025 at 3:37 pm
Beverly how many of Trump’s comments and actions are truthful? How many of Trump’s actions and statements are untruthful? There’s not any evidence of Diden being dishonest, could you make a list of what you have?